Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter One

.............................................................................

Alice Henderson lay in the hospital after suffering her
second heart attack. She knew enough about medicine and her
own physiology to know that she would probably not survive
a third. She needed to see and speak to her son-in-law,
Neil MacNeill.

She prayed for forgiveness. ‘Lord, I have meddled so,
I have not given Neil the entire truth ‘lo these many
years. I know now that I was wrong. I tried to protect
what was, rather than allow what could have been. I was
wrong, so wrong, but I did what I thought was best. Did
I prevent two people, who had a deep and abiding love for
one another, from discovering their true love once again?

Neil MacNeill had become a highly respected and well
known eye specialist and surgeon in Baltimore. He'd
written books, journal articles and pioneered techniques
in ocular surgery. With his reputation well established,
he relocated to Knoxville. He had just finished a very
long, difficult surgery, when he got the news that Alice
had suffered yet another heart attack. ‘Oh Alice,' he
thought, ‘I dread telling the boys. Boys! They were young
men now. In college and studying hard; busy, establishing
independent lives away from Pa and Granny Alice. Still,
there was a closeness, a tight knit relationship bound by
Alice's deep love and devotion, and his fierce pride and
boundless love for them.

Still dressed in surgical garb, Neil entered Alice's
private room. Neil had been a member of the Knoxville
hospital staff for five years now. Everyone respected
Dr. Neil MacNeill. He was a highly skilled surgeon and an
excellent doctor. He was a beloved physician. He had a gift
with children. His younger patients loved him. To them, he
was a gentle, giant teddy bear. Kind and compassionate to
most; a curmudgeon to those staff members who did not give
their full effort. The nurses loved him, and if you had
the nurses on your side, well, nothing more need be said.

He sat by Alice's side, and marveled how youthful she
still looked. She was close to seventy-five years old,
but would never really admit to her age. She once told
him she stopped counting at fifty. She opened her eyes.

"Neil, forgive me."

"For what dear heart?" He took her hand and held it.

"I kept the truth from thee."

"How so?"

"Christy loved thee."

"I know. ‘Twas not a secret."

"She married David."

"Yes, but I was still married to Margaret."

She would not bring dishonor to thee by admitting she
loved thee."

"I know. She chose to sacrifice what she felt for me for
the greater good."

"I kept information from thee about her."

"Perhaps it was for the best, Alice."

"No, I was being selfish. I was thrilled to be a
grandmother when Margaret gave birth to Andrew. You both
seemed happy. She was in remission, and seemed to enjoy
being a mother. I did not realize that she was again sick
after Andrew's first birthday."

"She hid it from us, Alice. She was good at deception. I
would never had allowed the second pregnancy, but
she clouded my judgement, wanting to give Andrew a
brother. When she died after giving birth to Douglas, I
was bereft. Thank God you came to stay with us then."

"Dr. Ferrand had to close the Mission at Cutter Gap because
there was no preacher. David and Christy had moved to
Boston, much to Christy's unhappiness. But like Esther,
she followed her husband, and established their home in
the parsonage. I moved to the Mission at Cataleechie."

"Grantland never really did feel at home in Cutter Gap."

"Neil, he died in the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918."

Neil was stunned at the news. "What did Christy do?"

"She went home to Asheville with the triplets."

"Triplets? How did she manage to carry triplets? She was
so tiny."

"They were premature, Neil, but they survived. They were
only ten months old when David died. She had two boys and
a daughter."

"Were the boys identical?"

"No. William, David and Juliet Alice survived. She
took good care of her babies, Neil, ever the fierce
protectress. When Mrs. Grantland tried to make her stay
in Boston, Christy's true Southern feistiness came to the
forefront. Her babies came first and she was going home to
Asheville. If Mother Grantland wanted to come and visit
she was more than welcome. I can still see the words she
wrote in her letter to me."

"You see, Neil, I corresponded with her after the Mission
closed. Her letters were forwarded to me after I moved
to Baltimore. I never told Christy about Margaret's
passing. When she wrote that David died, I sent her my
deepest sympathy. The triplets were still such babies. We
lost touch with one another. I am sure she was overwhelmed
by the burden she carried. Her letters stopped, and I
knowingly did not choose to continue the correspondence. It
was wrong of me."

"Our lives took us down different paths, Alice. That is
the way of it, I suppose. You must concentrate on getting
well. We still need you."

"I think not, Neil. Thee has a housekeeper, who has thee
all well trained."

Neil laughed. "You are still needed, in spite of
Mrs. Thompson. The boys need you."

"May I remind thee that thy sons are in college. They are
fine young men."

"Indeed they are, Alice. I am proud of both of them, but
they will always be my boys."

"As well they should be," she answered with a smile. Now
I need to rest and thee needs to change from thy surgical
gown."

"I'd forgotten that I'd come straight from surgery."

"Neil, when I get better, I want to visit El Pano, and if I
am strong enough, I want to visit the Mission grounds. Will
thee take me?"

"Just get better, Alice and then we'll see." He would give
Alice Henderson the sun and the moon if he could. She had
been his rock after Margaret died, helping him to raise
his sons.

When Neil got home that night, he called the boys. Andrew
was following in his footsteps at Jefferson in Philadelphia
where Neil had done his residency after returning from
Scotland. Douglas was attending a local college in
Tennessee. He let each one know about Alice, and that he
expected her to pull through.

He lit his pipe after dinner and began to think about
Alice's revelations and request. He contemplated all that
she had told him. Alice, he decided, wanted closure. It
was 1934. He was fifty-four years old. He thought about
Christy. She would be around forty -one years old now. Had
she remarried? There was only one way to find out. He
called the operator, searching for William Huddleston
of Asheville, North Carolina. He was told there was no
such listing. He thought for a minute, and then asked
for a Mrs. David Grantland. The operator gave him the
number. So now he knew. She had never remarried and she
lived in Asheville. What was he going to do about it?

The end of Chapter One

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Two

.............................................................................

It was time for summer cleaning and Juliet was helping
her mother straighten out the attic. It was a chore
that had been put off for too long. Christy's father
had succumbed to a stroke three years earlier. Her
mothter had been stricken with cancer and had died in
January. Juliet marveled at the strength and resolve of her
mother. Christy had been very close to her parents, and
she and her brothers adored them. The trio had graduated
from high school in May. They were all headed for college
in September. William wanted to be a lawyer, like his
grandfather. David was entering theological school and
she wanted to be a teacher like her mother.

Juliet was a beautiful young lady. She resembled
her father, but her features were softer and not as
angular. Her hair was a soft shade of brown, and her eyes
were as blue as her mother's. She was taller, in fact they
were all much taller than their Mama. William took after
the Huddleston side of the family. David was a mix of the
two. As Juliet dusted off a trunk, she asked Christy what
was inside.

"My wedding dress and other keepsakes," replied her mother.

"Can we open it, Mama?"

"Of course, Juliet." They both lifted the lid
together. Juliet gasped at the contents. There were
sketchbooks and journals, and her mother's wedding gown
and veil, carefully wrapped to preserve them. The veil
was decorated with seed pearls. There was a blue wool
cape that was missing some buttons. Christy picked up a
journal. "Oh my."

"Mama, what is it?"

"I kept a journal during the time that I taught in Cutter
Gap."

"Why did you stop keeping a journal, Mama?"

"Your father did not like secrets. He felt a journal
harbored secrets. After the three of you were born I
was too busy and too tired to write down my thoughts in
a journal. I did keep up with my sketching though. They
became a visual record of your childhood, rather than a
written one. There should be several books in the bottom
of the trunk.

By the time the two finished the attic, they were covered
in dust. Juliet carried the journals and sketchbooks
into her room. Christy had given her permission to
read them. For the next few days Juliet read her
mother's account of her life in Cutter Gap. They were
fascinating. Her mother was only nineteen, with a year and
a half of college classes, stepping out into the unknown
with her deep faith as her guide. Juliet expected to read
about her parents falling in love, but it was not so. Her
mother kept writing about a Dr. MacNeill. They had verbal
altercations all the time. Both seemed to have tempers
and they were both stubborn. She would have loved to
have seen her mother in the lavender dress. He sounded
like a tortured, yet truly romantic soul. She realized
by the writings throughout the journal that her mother,
while trying to deny it with her mind, deeply loved this
Dr. MacNeill with all of her heart. Why then, did she
marry my father, the minister, Juliet wondered.

Reading on, Juliet discovered why. Dr. MacNeill's
wife, presumed dead, had returned. Mama had to shut
down her feelings for this man, and never let them rise
to the surface, ever again. How do you tell your heart
no? Father must have known her heart was divided. How did
he convince her mother to marry him? Were they happy? Not
that it really mattered. Father had been dead for so many
years. They had such a short time together. Mama never,
ever tried to replace him. She stood proudly as the Widow
Grantland, and never tried to be anything other than that.

One morning in late June, Juliet begged Christy to answer
her questions. "It depends on your questions, sweetheart."

"What was it like teaching in Cutter Gap?"

"It was one of the most rewarding times in my life. I felt
I could make a difference. I had never seen or experienced
such abject poverty before in my life. I was not prepared
for Cutter Gap. But my experiences there certainly trained
me for what life had to offer me in the future.

"Mama, when did Father propose to you?"

"He actually proposed more than once. The first time I
knew I wan't ready. The second time, it felt like the
right thing to do."

"Where were you married?"

"In Cutter Gap. Grandmother sent half of Asheville to the
Mission. It made your father laugh."

"In your journal, you mention a Dr. MacNeill many times."

"Did I?"

"Yes."

"Well, he had a profound influence on my life."

"What happened to him?"

"It's rather complicated. You see, Juliet, he thought
his wife had drowned during a storm. After I had started
teaching, she came back. Then she left for a few months,
but came back. She had tuberculosis. He took her to
Baltimore for treatment, and became a doctor in a hospital
there that had previously offered him a job. She was Miss
Alice Henderson's daughter, Margaret."

"Then what happened?"

"After we were married, your father was asked to serve in a
church outside of Boston. He knew that some of the missions
Dr. Ferrand had established, were in dire straights due
to a lack of funds. I taught school during the Fall after
we were married. We moved to Boston just before Christmas."

"Were you happy there, Mama?"

"No, not really. In truth, I was utterly miserable. Mother
Grantland barely tolerated me. Your father did not see
it, though. She idolized David. I just was not good enough
for her son. My blood was not blue enough, I suppose, and
I was not a Yankee.

"It must have been horrible for you."

"It was, Juliet. She kept hinting that I did not love
her son enough to even give him children. We were married
over two years before I became pregnant with you three. I
had to stay in bed for almost four months. The doctor was
afraid that I would lose all of you. My mother could not
come because she was taking care of Grandmother Rudd. She
passed away just after you were born. Your father hired a
private nurse to look after me. His mother felt that I was
a weak, puny woman. No one in the Grantland family ever
took to their bed during their time, as she put it. Well
no one in the Grantland family had ever delivered triplets
before either! Your father loved the three of you from the
moment he saw you. You were all so tiny and fragile. He
was proud of his children."

Christy stopped for a moment. "Have I upset you, Mama?"

"No sweetheart. Just as I felt my life was returning to
normal, he got sick and was gone. His mother blamed me for
that as well. It did not matter that thousands of people
died in the epidemic. I had overworked your father to
death. She was an unhappy, miserable old woman, Juliet. She
hated that Ida was happily married out in California. When
your father died we had to move from the parsonage back
to Mother Grantland's. I had no where to go, I had no
income at all. I could not stay there. I called my mother
and father and told them I was coming home. I needed to
go where I was loved and where the three of you would be
cherished. Mother took the train up to Boston to help me
pack. I had my trunks with my clothes, and all of your
baby clothes. I was not permitted to take anything that
had belonged to the Grantland family. I took our wedding
photograph, your father's bible and his brush and comb."

"She called me an ungrateful creature for all that she
had done for me. I told her she was welcome to visit us
in Asheville. I dutifully wrote her once a month, I sent
photographs of the three of you whenever we had pictures
taken. She rarely responded. I had more news from Ida than
I did from Mother Grantland. When she died, she left some
money in trust for the three of you. She left the property
to Ida. She held me in contempt for deserting her. I had
to come home, Julia. I refused to ask her for one cent. I
could not live off her charity. I could not be beholding
to her at all. I had my pride."

"When you were all old enough to begin school, I began
to teach. With Mother and Father's help I had returned to
college to get my degree. With teaching, I could be free on
school holidays and vacations to be with the three of you."

"Mama, we had a wonderful childhood. We did so many
fun things together. Grandpa and Uncle George always
did special things with us. Even after Uncle George
got married, and had his own children he continued to
include us all. Uncle George has always been there for
us, especially now that both Grandpa and Grandma are gone.

They both became a little teary eyed for a few
moments. Then the boys came running down the steps. "What's
for lunch, Mama?"

"Is it that time already? Ask Sally. Juliet and I have
been talking."

"Ma, we're starving." Christy just laughed.

Juliet looked at her mother and knew what she had to
do. She wanted to see Cutter Gap with her own eyes. After
lunch, she told Christy of her desire to see the Cove.

"Juliet, there's probably no one left who would remember
me."

‘If I went to El Pano, Mama, where would I stay?"

"At Tatum's Boarding House, if it still exists."

"Do you want to come with me?"

"I cannot go back, Juliet. Why do you want to go there?"

"Mama, I cannot explain it. After reading your journals,
well, I feel drawn. I feel I have to go there and see
your beloved mountains. Fate, destiny, whatever, I cannot
explain it."

"When will you go?"

"I'll check the train schedule tomorrow."

Christy pondered her daughter's desire to go to El
Pano. The lands, including and surrounding Cutter Gap were
earmarked as National Forest, government owned. Families
could stay and have lifelong ownership. If the land was
abandoned, then the government would assume ownership. She
wondered if anyone lived at the Mission now. What would
happen to Neil's cabin?

She looked at one of her sketchbooks. She had drawn a
picture of Neil looking up at her when he released the
trout. It was just before they discovered Margaret's
return to the tea house. That was when she knew she loved
him. He alluded to the beauty of that moment in time, and
she realized he was admitting his feelings for her. He
was her soul mate. Her love for him and his love for her
would forever remain unspoken, locked away in the deep
recesses of their hearts. It was never to be acknkowledged
by either of them. She had witnessed his embrace of
Margaret. Even though Neil rode to the school that day,
as David proposed to her again, she knew that she could
not acknowledge her genuine love for Neil MacNeill. She
had accepted David's proposal. Neil and Margaret left that
afternoon for Baltimore. She had hoped that Neil had found
some semblance of happiness with Margaret during the past
twenty years. She called to Juliet, "I'll go with you,
sweetheart. William and David can stay with Uncle George."

Juliet ran down the steps. "Oh Mama, you've made me
so happy! What a nice little adventure we'll have
together." Christy hugged Juliet, smiled and nodded.



End of Chapter Two

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Three

.............................................................................

It was near the end of June. Alice was completely recovered
from her heart attack. She was more adamant than ever. She
wanted to go to El Pano and revisit the Mission at Cutter
Gap. She was well enough, and she could still ride a
horse. Neil called ahead to the livery to see if they could
rent horses, and was told horses were still available. As
a result of the telephone call, the buzz went through all
of El Pano and into the Cove. Doc MacNeill was coming back
for a visit sometime soon.

Douglas MacNeill had come home at the end of the semester
in early June. Andrew remained in Philadelphia. He
had chosen to take part in a research project for the
summer. When Neil told Douglas that his Granny wanted to
revisit El Pano and Cutter Gap, he decided to join them. It
would be good to see where his father had been born.

Christy and Juliet reached El Pano in the
mid-afternoon. Tatum's boarding house was still open
for business. "Well as I live and breathe, Miz Christy,
welcome back."

Christy smiled at the kindly woman. "Thank you,
Mrs. Tatum. May I introduce you to my daughter, Juliet."

Mrs. Tatum studied the young girl. "You take after your
Paw, but you have your Maw's eyes."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Tatum."

"Let me show you to your room. She began to walk up
the stairs. Christy and Julia followed, carrying their
bags. "It has two single beds. Washroom to the back of
the house. We have indoor plumbing now, Miz Christy."

"Indoor plumbing?" mouthed Juliet, quietly.

"No outhouse," Christy mouthed back.

"Oh," said Juliet, shuddering at the thought.

"Dinner is promptly at six-thirty," said Mrs. Tatum. "How
long are you staying?"

"At least three days," answered Christy.

"That'd be just fine."

"Thank you," said Christy.

"My pleasure," said Mrs. Tatum. "It's good to have you
home again." Christy and Juliet smiled.

They settled into their room, hanging up their clothes in
the closet. "Would you like to see the thriving metropolis
of El Pano?" asked Christy.

"Mother, you are too funny for words."

As they walked up the main street towards the
general store, a train pulled in from the opposite
direction. That's the train from Knoxville," remarked
Christy. They entered the store. Juliet had never been
in a general store like this before. It had anything
and everything you could possible need, from dry goods,
foodstuffs, and penny candy. She stood there in amazement.

Christy scanned the store. It had not changed very much
in twenty years. Near the pot bellied stove, which was
dormant for the summer, sat two men playing checkers. She
recognized Jeb and Tom. She walked up quietly to them and
asked, "Don't you both have beehives to attend to, instead
of playing games?"

They both looked up and each man let out a loud whoop. Jeb
grabbed Christy first and gave her a big hug and kiss. Tom
followed in kind. They continued to laugh and hug one
another in jubilation. Juliet stood to the side. Christy
introduced her, "This is my daughter, Juliet. This is
Mr. Jeb Spencer and Mr. Tom McHone."

"Please to meet you," they both said together.

Jeb said, " You resemble the preacher."

"Yes, I'm told that I take after my father."

"But you have your Mama's eyes and they are the windows
to the soul," said Jeb. That's what Doc MacNeill always
said about your Mama's eyes. Juliet's eyes flared at the
mention of the good doctor.

Christy changed the subject. "How are your children? Are
you grandfathers yet?"

"Oh my, over and over again," said Jeb kindly. How much
time do you have?" Everyone laughed.

"How is Opal, Tom? Is she well?"

"Right as rain. She'll be plumb delighted to have a visit
with you."

"I can't wait to see her. Are you both still living in
the Cove?"

"Sure thing, if we leave the land we lose it to the
government. That's the terms with it becoming a national
forest. So we're staying," said Tom.

Christy smiled, thinking back to a bittersweet time during
her tenure here when Tom and Opal almost sold their land
to Nathan Stone.

"It was good to see you again, Miz Christy, and it was
a pleasure to meet you, Juliet." Jeb tipped his hat to
them both.

"Thank you, Mr. Spencer, likewise I'm sure."

"You are a pretty gal child. Opal's gonna be thrilled to
see you both. Heaven help the Cove when Ruby Mae hears
you've returned," said Tom.

Christy smiled, thinking about Ruby Mae. She was a
wonder. "We'll see you tomorrow then," she said.

"Sounds like a plan to me," said Jeb. Tom tipped his cap,
as the two women departed the store.

In the meantime, Neil and Douglas collected their luggage
and escorted Alice to Tatum's boarding house. "Good
afternoon, Mrs. Tatum," said Alice.

"Why Miss Henderson, as I live and breathe. And Doc
MacNeill too! Is this a day for reunions?"

Neil misunderstood, not knowing that Christy had arrived
earlier. "No reunion," he said. "Alice helped me raise
my boys. This is my son, Douglas. Douglas, this is
Mrs. Tatum. We're here on a nostalgic visit."

"How do you do, ma'am," said Douglas.

"Pleased to meet you," she said, realizing that they did
not know about Miz Christy and her daughter. "Let me show
you to your rooms. Washrooms are in the back, we now have
indoor plumbing. We serve dinner promptly at six thirty."

As they were all settling in, Christy and Juliet returned
to the boarding house. "Did you have a nice walk?" asked
Mrs. Tatum.

"Oh yes," said Juliet. "We met some of Mama's friends, a
Mr. Spencer and Mr. McHone.

Mrs. Tatum smiled. The news would travel like a forest
fire. Dinner would be an interesting meal for sure. The
gossip mill would be in full swing and she would be in
the satisfying center of it all. She smiled to herself.

Christy and Juliet freshened up before dinner. Christy had
not cut her hair short. She kept it fairly long and wore
it up in a chignon, the way David liked her to wear it when
she was in the public eye. She had chosen a blue dress and
she still favored shoes with pointy toes and fairly high
heels. Juliet's dress was a buttery yellow floral print.

Alice, Neil and Douglas were already in the dining
room. It was six-fifteen and they were enjoying a
lively conversation filled with happy memories and
laughter. Juliet and Christy descended the staircase. They
could hear voices of the other boarders as they came to
the first landing. Christy's ears picked up a familiar
voice. She could have sworn she heard a "thee" and
"thy." It couldn't be. Then she heard the laughter,
boistrous, unfettered laughter. His laughter. She missed
a step, and fell down the rest of the stairs. Juliet
screamed, "Mama!"

Chairs squeaked against the floor as the occupants of
the dining room rushed into the foyer. "Mama, are you all
right?" cried Juliet.

So much for a dignified entrance, thought Christy as a mix
of voices cried "Mama, Miz Christy, Christy, Lass," all at
once. She looked up at her daughter, Miss Alice, a young
man who was obviously Neil's son and Neil himself. "What
a pleasant surprise to see all of you after all these
years." She promptly fainted.

"Mama!" Juliet cried.



End of Chapter Three

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Four

............................................................

Neil rushed to her side. "Douglas, fetch my bag." He looked
at Juliet. She was a beautiful young girl. She took after
him. Her features were softer, less angular. Her eyes were
purely Christy's. "What happened?" he asked kindly.

"She stumbled, and missed a step, I think. Will she be
all right?"

"I hope so."

"Don't you all worry about dinner," said Mrs. Tatum. "It's
stew and dumplings, and they will keep."

Douglas returned with his father's medical bag and smelling
salts. Christy was soon revived.

"Christy, you have to tell me where you hurt," Neil said.

She looked deeply into his eyes. ‘My heart,' she
thought. He looked at her in such a way, as if to say ‘me
too.' "My ankle," she said. "I think I sprained it."

Neil looked at her shoes. "Still not one for sensible
shoes?"

"Not until I'm seventy at least."

"I heard that Christy," said Alice. Everyone laughed.

"Aye, you've sprained it. I'll wrap it. You must keep off
of it for a day or two."

"Oh no, that just is not possible. Juliet and I are
riding to the Mission tomorrow and then we are visiting
the Spencer's and the McHone's. A sore ankle is not going
to stop me, Neil MacNeill."

Douglas wondered how this woman obviously knew his
father. Juliet heard the tone of her mother's voice. It
sounded exactly the way she wrote her journal entries
when she mentioned Doctor MacNeill. He was kneeling on
the ground, next to her mother, worry in his eyes. She
could not believe fate. Her mother's Neil MacNeill! She
observed the chemistry between the two.

"So now you're a physician, Doctor.....Grantland." He had
almost saidHuddleston, and Christy knew it.

"When you've raised triplets Doctor, you would be amazed
how much punishment a body can take without showing pain or
illness to your children. Juliet, sweetheart, will you take
these shoes upstairs and bring me down my slippers?" Juliet
nodded. "Thank you, sweetheart. Neil will you please help
me to stand? I need to give Miss Alice a very long overdue
hug, and I believe this is your son?"

Neil helped her to her feet, thinking to himself ‘what
about me? Don't I rate a hug?' Alice hugged her with
happiness, delight and remorse for time long past. She
thought surely the hand of God had directed this reunion.

"Mrs. Grantland, this is my youngest son, Douglas. I knew
her when she taught school in Cutter Gap before she married
the Reverend Grantland.

"How do you do, Ma'am."

"My pleasure, Douglas." As Juliet descended the stairs,
Christy introduced her to Miss Alice, Dr. MacNeill and
Douglas MacNeill. She attempted to walk into the dining
room wearing her slippers, but she stumbled. Without
blinking an eye, Neil picked her up.

"Just like old times, Lass, only there is no creek and the
only stubborn one here is you, not Theo." Christy blushed
ever so slightly and then she sighed. Neil heard it, and
the wall around his heart crumbled.

Neil set her down gently on the dining room chair. "I
apologize for spoiling dinner, Mrs. Tatum," she said.

"Nonsense. You can't spoil stew and dumplings. Please
pass the tureen, Doc MacNeill. Here's a basket of
biscuits. There's butter and persimmon preserves on the
table. I've got tea and coffee and lemonade to offer you
all. The general store had fresh lemons this morning. What
be your pleasure?"

"Lemonade, please," said Juliet and Douglas together. She
smiled and laughed. Her Mother's smile; her Mother's
laugh. Neil watched his son's face. Juliet Grantland
was enchanting.

The conversation around the table was lively and
funny. There were serious moments as well. Alice had asked
after her parents and Christy informed them that they had
both passed away. Christy and Neil were both aware of the
unspoken questions that haunted the both of them. Each in
their own way prayed for answers.

"Christy, aside from raising three wonderful children,
what has thee been

doing in Asheville for the past seventeen years?" asked
Alice.

"Well, Miss Alice," Christy said, "my parents were
wonderful. I was able to finish college while the children
were little, so that I could teach elementary school
when they entered school. I also taught Sunday school
for a number of years, until my parents took ill. Being
a minister's widow, well, certain things were expected
of me."

"Thee was much too young to pigeon-holed as a widow with
no future."

"Oh, but I was to be sure. There were some who wondered
if I had money. Then there was the fact that I had three
young babies. I was the Widow Grantland, poor, poor Christy
Huddleston Grantland. I served on countless committees with
my mother. I served punch at church socials. The heavens
would fall if I danced with an eligible man at a social. Oh
yes, Miss Alice, I threw my life away by going away to
teach in those mountains." She laughed mirthlessly. "Those
mountains, they sustained me during all the difficult
times of my life. Memories of the families and the joy
of the children upheld me. Memories of sunrises and moon
rises over those beloved mountains, of a time and place
too precious for me to ever forget. But ‘lo," she sighed,
" I am the poor Widow Grantland." She ended with a long
suffering sigh.

Juliet hooted and laughed out loud. "Oh Mama, you imitate
Mrs. Jackson so well. I wish you could meet this woman. The
ever so dour Mrs. Jackson, wears her melancholy around
her like a mantle. She looks upon Mama with such pity. I
can hear her say that Mama's life is such a waste. It's
such a shame you know, Christy could have been at the top
of Asheville society, but no, she chose to go there. She
would have been better off had she gone to China."

Christy laughed at her daughter's _expression. "As if the
Huddleston's hobnobbed with the Vanderbilts's. By the way,
Juliet, you do a fine impression of her as well."

"She certainly does not know my mother!" said Juliet.

‘No indeed' pondered Neil. Deep in thought about Christy's
life these past twenty years, he missed Christy's
question. He was brought out of his reverie by Douglas's
voice. "Father has been practicing in Knoxville for the
past five years."

"Forgive me," said Neil, "I was lost in thought."

"Miss Alice, what happened after the Mission closed?"

"Well dear child, I went to the Mission at
Cataleechie. When Dr. MacNeill contacted me after Margaret
died, I went to Baltimore to help him raise Jekyll and
Hyde. Oh, I mean Andrew and Douglas. Douglas was a new
born."

Christy was startled at Miss Alice's revelation that
Margaret had died so early in their marriage. Why hadn't
she told Christy about it in her letters? All she could
think of after denying her heart for twenty years was,
yes. ‘Lord you have brought us together. Is it our time
now? In middle age, have you decided our love together is
worthy of Your love?' She stared at Neil.

"Granny, how could you say that? Especially to people who
do not really know us!"

Alice grinned at her grandson. "Mrs. Grantland, does
thee see my gray hair? Now I admit I started to gray at
the temples thanks to Ruby Mae, twenty two years ago. But
the silver strands that grow from my head are purely the
result of my two grandsons. Does thee agree, Neil?"

"Unequivocally, Alice."

"Pa!!"

"Douglas, when your Granny Alice is right, there is no
purpose in arguing the point."

Everyone laughed, including Douglas. After dinner, the
guests retired to the parlor. Alice decided to retire
early. Everyone bid her goodnight. Christy decided it
would be prudent to follow Miss Alice's example a half
an hour later. She stood up, bid everyone goodnight, and
began to limp across the room to the stairs. Neil stood
up, and again picked her up. He was not going to let this
opportunity pass.

"Please do not argue, Christy. I do not want you to hurt
yourself even more than you already have done. It's only
two flights of stairs." He carried her effortlessly, and
she was once again reminded of his solid masculinity. All
he could think of was that she still smelled of roses
and lavender. What sweet torture! He carried her into the
room, leaving the door open, and set her down.

They stared into each other's eyes. He smiled and gently
caressed her cheek, as he had done on that fateful day
when she realized that she loved him with every fiber of
her being. He took her hand and kissed it. "Good night,
sweet Lass," he said. "I will see you in the morning. It
seems as though we are all having an excursion to the
Mission grounds."

She nodded mutely, and watched as he left the room. She
carefully undressed and dropped on to the bed. "Be still,
my heart." she said softly.



End of Chapter Four

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Five

.....................................................................

Neither slept well. Morning came too soon. Christy felt
half asleep. Mrs. Tatum was humming away to herself. She
has seen Doc carry Miz Christy up the stairs the night
before. Now she knew there was no impropriety there, but
it was romantic. She wouldn't be able to tell anyone
about that, she did not want the gossip mill to make
trouble for these two special people. She had outdone
herself with the breakfast meal. There had been pancakes
and bacon and biscuits with her homemade plum jam and
strawberry preserves. She had coffee with thick cream and
sugar. Douglas ate like he had never seen food before. They
were the lightest pancakes he had ever eaten.

Mrs. Tatum had taken it upon herself to pack them a picnic
basket with lunch for the group. Leave it to Doc to ask if
she had an old blanket. She did, and as she handed it to
him she smiled inwardly. She wondered if love would finally
triumph for the Doc and the Teacher after all these years.

At the livery, there were four horses for hire. Using
Christy's sprain as an excuse, Neil had Christy ride with
him. He kept her in front of him. ‘Oh Neil,' she thought,
‘let's not be too obvious to everyone else.' Laughing, she
thought one thing Neil never had been was subtle. All he
could think about was how beautiful she looked in trousers,
and she was wearing sensible shoes. Most importantly, she
was in his arms.

In the time they had spoken together the night before,
Juliet and Douglas agreed that their parents had a deep,
abiding affection for one another. Juliet recalled their
conversation.

<Flashback>

"I knew that there was someone from the past who had deeply
affected my father. I never knew my mother. She died giving
me birth. I would ask about her and father would talk in
generalities. Granny would speak of her early years. There
was this great, big hole and no one attempted to answer
it. I honestly do not think that they could.

One night a few years ago in September, my father had
imbibed a little too much scotch. A surgeon had botched
an operation on a young boy. They called my father in,
but it was too late. The damage was beyond repair. The boy
had lost his sight because the doctor was too arrogant to
admit that the case was beyond his skill. I've never seen
such anger in my father as I did that night, Juliet."

He continued," there was a fire burning in the
fireplace. Father did not hear me enter the room. Granny
Alice was away. Andrew was away in school. It was
only Pa and I and our indestructible housekeeper,
Mrs. Thompson. Before I could announce my presence, father
started talking into the fire. He was staring at it with
such intensity. I had never seen him like this before in
my life."

"He was half praying and half blaming God. I think he was
agitated because of the botched surgery, but it was also
the date. I put the puzzle together tonight. Were your
parents married in September?"

"Yes," replied Juliet.

"Well then, that explains it."

"Explains what?"

"Why my father took a long swig of whiskey and threw the
glass into the fire with such force he shattered it, as
he said "Happy Anniversary, Reverend!"

"What did your father say before that?"

"God had some nerve bringing him back into the Light,
showing him true love and sacrifice, only to take it
all away from him by bringing back the prodigal wife and
daughter. I realized he meant my mother."

"When Granny Alice returned two days later, I bided my
time and asked her. My Granny does not believe in mincing
words. My father honored his vows, but my mother had
destroyed the love he once had for her. I realized that
he must have fallen in love with someone else when he
believed mother had died. It must have been your mother."

"Yes it was," said Juliet. She told him about the journals.

<End of Flashback>

As in the past when news had always traveled quickly,
word had spread throughout the Cove that Doc MacNeill,
Miss Alice and Miss Christy had returned for a visit.

"You walked all this way, Mama?" asked Juliet.

"Yes dear, but not along this road. Mr. Pentland led
me by way of his postal route. It was more like a cross
country hike."

"Oh my." She shook her head at the thought.

"That wasn't the half of it," Neil started to say.

"I know, Doctor MacNeill. Mama let me read her journals
that she kept during her tenure here. She described
Mr. Allen's ordeal with very vivid imagery."

They stopped along the way to picnic, at Neil's
suggestion. "My instinct tells me that when we reach the
Mission we are going to be overwhelmed by old friends. I'm
sure that news of our visit has spread like wildfire."

"Thee is absolutely correct, Neil. We should stop for a
brief respite."

"I'm really not that hungry," said Christy. "I would really
enjoy some lemonade, though." The group rested for almost
an hour.

"How far are we from the Mission." asked Juliet.

"About a mile and a half," said Neil.

There was a sound --a whoop and a holler, and a flash of
red flying towards the group. Ruby Mae Beck had heard they
were coming.

"Oh dear," said Alice. "Thee must all brace thyselves. Here
comes Ruby Mae." Douglas assisted his Granny up and then
turned to give Juliet a hand. Christy took Neil's hand as
he helped her to stand.

Soon Ruby Mae was upon them. She hugged Christy
first. Christy was having a hard time breathing, then she
hugged Miss Alice, with a little less force. She turned to
Neil and gave him a big hug. "Doc as I live and breathe, I
jest knew something was going to happen. I sneezed before
breakfast and I dropped a knife. Sure signs that company's
comin' ."

"Ruby Mae, it is so good to see you," said Christy. "This
is my daughter Juliet. Juliet, this is Ruby Mae Beck."

"Right pleased to meet ya," said Ruby Mae. "Ya look like
yer Paw."

"So everyone tells me," said Juliet, smiling.

"This is my son, Douglas, Ruby Mae." She took his hand
and nearly shook his arm off.

"Crowd's gathered by the Mission. The poor Ketchum's don't
know what to do with so many people millin' around. I got
tired a waitin' and figgered I'd come find y'all. I might
not get a word in edgewise later."

"Ruby Mae, thee will always find thy voice," said Miss
Alice drolly. "Of that I have no doubt whatsoever. I
suggest we resume our journey."

Juliet and Douglas folded up the blanket. Neil helped
Christy back on to the horse. "Mrs. Beck," Miss Alice said,
"would thee care to ride with me?"

"Ruby Mae smiled broadly. "Do you remember the day I rode
with you when you were goin' on your retreat?"

"Indeed I do, Ruby Mae. Please refrain from pulling out
any gray hair from my head or I will be bald by the time
we reach the Mission."

"Mrs. Beck, do you have any children?"asked Juliet.

"Call me Ruby Mae. Yes I do. Will and me had six youngins."

"Where are they?"

"My oldest boys are huntin' with their Paw. My girls are
at home doin' chores. I got married ‘bout six months after
you left Miz Christy. Will and me married in June. Had us
our first babe in March. Will Jr. looks like his Paw. Next
came Clyde, and Duggin, named after my Pa. Next came my
girls, Christy, named after you, Daisy and Eula, named
after Will's granny. Got me a whole passel, but they
be good kids." Ruby Mae talked almost the entire way to
the Mission.

When they reached the Mission clearing, cheers arose from
the crowd. By now, thanks to Mrs. Tatum, everyone had heard
that Neil and Christy's spouses were deceased. So they all
watched as Neil assisted Christy off the horse. Opal looked
at Tom and Jeb. "The sparks are still there between ‘em."

"Yep," said Tom. I could see it when Jeb mentioned what
Doc used to say about her eyes, at the general store
yesterday."

"You got that right," said Jeb. They began to walk towards
the group. The Ketchum's stood on the porch.

Miss Alice greeted them. "I am Alice Henderson. When
this property belonged to the Mission, I lived here
with Mrs. Grantland. She taught at the school before
she married."

"We're pleased to make your acquaintance, ma'am," said
Mr. Ketchum. "This here is my wife Clara. We've heard a
lot of stories from our neighbors over the years."

"I am sure that thee has. Many wonderful things happened
here." She watched as Christy hugged Opal; both were
crying. Neil was reunited with Jeb and Tom. He introduced
Douglas to his lifelong friends. Juliet met Opal.

"Can thee both see the influence Doctor MacNeill and Miss
Huddleston, I mean Mrs. Grantland, had on these wonderful
neighbors and friends?" asked Alice.

"Don't discount yourself, Miss Alice or the Reverend. From
what I understand, you both did a world of good here,"
said Mr. Ketchum.

Miss Alice nodded and smiled and sighed. "I was truly
happy here."

There were many, many changes. Throughout the afternoon
Neil, Christy and Alice met and talked with so many
people. Jeb had informed Neil that John and Bessie were
living in his cabin, farming the land, looking after
it for Neil, so that he did not lose the land to the
government. "It's the legacy of your sons, Doc."

"No Jeb, it is John and Bessie's home. I'll write up the
paperwork, John is my godson, after all."

Jeb smiled. "Are you stopping by the cabin to show Douglas
where you were born?"

"I don't think we'll have the time now. We never expected
this kind of reception."

"Miz Christy hasn't changed much, has she? Can't get used
to wimmin wearin' pants, though."

Neil laughed. "It makes it easier for her to ride a horse."

"So how come she's riding with you?"

"She sprained her ankle last night."

"Did she know you were in town?"

"No, I don't think so. Why?"

"Fairlight always used to tell me Miz Christy would
get clumsy-like when you were around. Like she couldn't
concentrate or focus. You distracted her."

"No more than she distracted me, Jeb."

"Ya gonna do something about it now?"

"I hope to, Jeb."

"Go for it man. You've wasted enough time."

"Jeb, I didn't know that she was a widow. Alice never
told me. I've spent almost twenty years thinking she was
happily married."

"Well then my friend, you'd better make up for lost
time. You only find your soul mate once, if you're lucky."

"Soul mate, Jeb?"

"Like Fairlight and me. Damn straight, Doc." Both men
nodded.

News was exchanged. Uncle Bogg had died two years
earlier. Tom was now the county squire. Ault Allen
was suffering from senility. He didn't know his wife
or children. He thought his wife was his sister. Granny
Barclay was gone. Many of the children had taken jobs away
from Cutter Gap in the saw mills and the mines. Some now
worked for the TVA.

Christy was interested in hearing about her former
students. Juliet was at her side. The O'Teale children
worked in the mills. Nathan never came home after his
last hunt. Swannie had gone to live with Becky and her
husband Roy in Raven Gap. By the late afternoon, Christy
was reeling from the experience. Juliet saw the impact of
what her mother had accomplished during the time she had
taught here.

Neil approached Alice. "If we want to get back in daylight,
we must leave soon." She nodded. They were invited to stay
for supper, but politely refused. Mrs. Tatum would have
dinner ready for them. As Christy turned to say good-bye
to her friends, she saw a solitary figure standing apart
from everyone else.

"Neil, please, it's Mr. Taylor. They walked together to
where he was standing. Neil helped Christy, as her limp
became more pronounced. She'd been standing on her feet
too long. "It's wonderful to see you again, Mr. Taylor."

He cracked a hint of a smile. "Still stirring up folks in
the Cove, I see."

Christy laughed.

"Doc, how do?"

"I'm fine, Bird's-Eye. How are you?"

"Fit as a fiddle. Still outrunnin' revenuers."

"Good for you."

"Here's a present, Doc. For medicinal purposes only." Neil
laughed and shook his hand."

"I owe you."

"Nope. Never thanked you properly for all that you did
for Lundy."

"Then we're even, Bird's-Eye."

"Yep. I'm no longer beholdin' to ya."

"Paid in full," said Neil. "Account closed. Be well my
friend. Always watch your back,"

"Will do, doc, will do. Miz Christy, it was good to see
you and swap howdies."

"I agree, Mr. Taylor. You take care."

"Always do, ma'am. Always do." He tipped his hat and
turned away.

Tears pooled in Christy's eyes as she looked up at Neil
and smiled.



End of Chapter Five

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Six

.....................................................................

The ride back to El Pano went quickly as the five talked
about people they had met, things that were said, events
that had occurred and shaped the Cove during the past
twenty years. Neil held Christy more closely to him on
the way back. She was emotionally and physically spent,
and he knew it. Every so often he would kiss the top of
her head. She thought it was wonderful, as she nestled
against his chest.

Juliet and Douglas were very impressed by what they
had witnessed. They had heard about their parents from
other people who loved and admired them, and learned
about the complexity of their lives over twenty years
before. It was enlightening, and Juliet felt she had been
one of the instruments God used to bring her mother and
Dr. MacNeill together again. She would share her thoughts
with Douglas later. Alice was pleased as a cat who had
eaten a canary. Looking at Neil and Christy she recalled
Zady Spencer's words about her parents ‘they have true
love,' so many years ago. Zady, Alice mused to herself,
was now a professor of Mathematics. She shook her head,
and joined in the conversation again. "So Juliet, what
does thee think of Ruby Mae?"

Juliet laughed. "She is as wonderful and colorful as Mama
described her to me. Mama's journals are full of Ruby
Mae's superstitions and all of the things that she did."

Alice smiled. "Thy mother had a positive influence on Ruby
Mae. She was like a big sister to her, at a very critical
point in the young girl's life."

Christy leaned back against Neil's chest and sighed
contentedly. "Are you all right, Lass?" She nodded. He
could almost feel her smile. "You know, Christy," he
said softly, "we're about to start a clean page in
a new journal. It is not going to end when you head
north to Asheville and I turn south to Knoxville." He
knew he had her attention. "God has given us both a big
push towards one another. And I believe He is telling us
both that He can only do so much. It is up to us to take
this opportunity to go forward together. So I ask you
this. Would the good doctor, the widower MacNeill, have
permission to court the poor Widow Grantland? Did I quote
you correctly?"

Neil could feel Christy's effervescent laughter bubbling
up throughout her body. She giggled helplessly, because
he had intoned Mrs. Jackson to a "T". She turned her head
to look at him. "I would be honored, Neil." She settled
herself against him.

He held her hands. "Ah, sweet Christy, you've made me a
very happy man."

She smiled and thought, Dear God, you have my faith and
trust. You have engineered this reunion. Thy will be done."

The five returned to the Tatum's. Douglas and Neil brought
the horses back to the livery. Neil carried the jug from
Bird's-Eye. "What's that, Pa?"

"Mountain dew."

"Pa?"

"Moonshine. Tonight you can have a taste. It's part of
your heritage, son.

We'll save some for Andrew. Bird's-Eye makes the best
moonshine. I used it for medicinal purposes most of
the time."

"Why is he called Bird's-Eye?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

"All right. He was called Bird's-Eye because his shooting
is so accurate. He could shoot the eye of a raven from
fifty feet away. He had a hard and difficult life. His
father beat him, hit him, abused him. Like father like
son. Bird's-Eye's wife left him, and he raised his son
as he had been raised. Lundy was a bully. He died in a
typhoid epidemic, the same one that killed Jeb Spencer's
wife, Fairlight. Christy helped to nurse Lundy, and she
got sick. I was in the depths of despair. I did all that I
could, and it was not enough. I prayed to God, opened my
heart and admitted my love for her. She recovered, but I
was not free. Your mother came back to Cutter Gap. I knew
that I had to take her away for treatment, and I could not
bear to be around Christy. I loved her too much to have
my presence there be a constant source of heartache. The
reverend proposed to her again. Christy was caught in a tug
of war between the two of us. I turned away and left. Your
mother and I went to El Pano that very day. I did not say
good-bye to anyone but Jeb. Alice wrote months later and
told us that Christy had married him. Within four months,
they went to Boston. Later, that following Spring the
Mission closed. Alice went to Cataleechie. She came to
live with us when your mother died."

"Giving birth to me," said Douglas bitterly.

Neil put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Douglas,
you were not the cause of your mother's death. Son,
she did not die because of your birth. She fought with
every ounce of her strength to live long enough to give
you birth. Tuberculosis is a terrible, wasting disease,
Douglas. She was weak, and she knew that she was dying. Her
delivery of you went fairly easy, she was not in labor
very long. She heard you cry and smiled. The midwife
informed her that she had a son. She smiled, "Andrew has
a brother. Please name him Douglas." She held you for a
little while, then she indicated that she was tired. She
died in her sleep, son. You were not the cause of her
death. On the contrary, what she did was one of the most
selfless acts of courage I have ever seen, Douglas. She
died in peace, son."

"You've loved Mrs. Grantland for over twenty years?"

"It's difficult to explain. There is a part of my heart
that cherished the love I felt for her. I would never try
to hurt her, by interfering with her life. I truly believed
that she was happily married all these years. Neither
one of us knew that we were both widowed. Ironic, isn't
it. Granny Alice decides she needs closure and Juliet reads
her mother's journals and drags Christy along with her to
El Pano."

"Do you still love her, Pa?"

"It hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw her laying at
the bottom of the steps last night. Yes, I do love her
very deeply."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Jeb asked me the same question this afternoon. I'm going
to court her, son."

"Court her? Oh, do you mean date?"

"Courting is my era, Douglas, not dating."

"The nurses at the hospital will be a little put out."

"Why?"

"Oh, Pa. Sometimes you can be as thick as a plank."

"What do you mean?"

"You've had the nurses swooning in Knoxville for five
years. They fuss over you. Who's baking cookies, bringing
you fudge, making you pecan pies? Some of your patients
want to introduce you to their daughters."

"Douglas, I am fifty-four years old."

"Pa, you're a handsome man, a good man, and you are an
eligible doctor to boot. That's the key. The fact is that
you are totally oblivious to the idea that women care about
you. You focus n your work, your research, on Andy and me
and Granny Alice."

"That's my world, Douglas."

"I know, Pa. And your unspoken love for a very special
lady. Don't lose her now, Pa."

"When did you become so wise?"

"I learned from the master." They both laughed as they
returned to the boarding house.

End of Chapter Six

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Seven

.................................................................................

Christy and Juliet were in their room changing for
dinner. "It has been an enlightening day, Mama. Thank you
for coming with me."

"I am glad I came honey. It has been one of the most
rewarding days and happiest days of my life."

"You really loved living here, didn't you Mama?"

"Yes, sweetheart, I really did."

"Why didn't Papa realize that?"

"I cannot say for sure, Juliet. I think he was afraid I
would be haunted by the memories. What he never realized
was that the memories were always with me."

"You love Dr. MacNeill, don't you?"

"Yes, Juliet, I do. I buried that part of my heart. I
thought I killed it, but like the phoenix, love arises
again from the ashes and my heart is filled with joy. Neil
still loves me. Your father understood my heart. He knew
that I cared for Dr. MacNeill. I loved your father in
my own way, and he was willing to accept that. I never
denied your father in any way, Juliet. I was his wife,
and I enjoyed being his wife. I only wished that we did
not live so close to Mother Grantland. If we had lived
somewhere else, perhaps your father would still be alive."

"You have always told us not to live our lives with "what
ifs" Mama."

"You are correct, sweetheart."

"And now you have come full circle."

"So it would seem, Juliet."

"What is next?"

"I am not sure. I have three grown children and I feel
like I haven't the slightest idea what to do next."

"Oh Mama, you are too funny."

"Juliet, I am not joking. I have been out of the social
whirl for twenty years. Don't you understand? I did not
have a circle of friends to rely on for social events. I
was never invited to a dinner party. It would create
an uneven number at a table. I had made it clear that I
was not looking for a husband. I kept the matchmakers at
bay. If I had been a rich widow I am sure I would have
had a few suitors. I was a penniless widow, with three
babies. I could be invited to a luncheon or to tea with
my friends, but never dinner. Grandma and Grandpa had a
busier social life than I ever did."

"But you would attend the Winter Cotillion. I always
thought you looked like a princess."

"Thank you sweetheart. I felt like I was playing dress
up once a year. I would dance with Grandpa, and sometimes
with some of his law partners, or Grandpa's brother, Uncle
Thomas. The rest of the time I would spend with my mother
or the rest of the widows."

"I'm sorry Mama."

"Don't be. I do not regret the choices I made in life. They
have all brought me here to this place in time, with you
honey." She kissed her daughter's cheek. "Let's go down
to dinner and I'll try not to trip." They both giggled at
the thought. Christy made her way slowly down the stairs.

Neil and Douglas stood up when they entered the dining
room. Holding out chairs for Christy and Juliet, the two
sat down and greeted everyone.

"Juliet, what was thy impression of today?" asked Miss
Alice.

"It is going to take me a while to sort it all out in my
mind. I am so glad that Mrs. Ketchum let me stand in the
balcony by your old room, Mama. The view took my breath
away. I can see why you wrote about it so often."

Christy smiled. " It is imprinted in my mind like a
photograph. When I need a quiet moment, I picture that
view. It always brought me peace of mind. I was happy to
renew my acquaintance with it. There have been so many
changes in Cutter Gap itself, it is good to know that the
mountains are constant."

"What was thy impression of Mr. Taylor, Douglas?"

"Granny, it's like he stepped out of the mists of one of
Pa's stories. Except the stories were true. He seemed
like a stoic loner. And yet, when he was talking to
Mrs. Grantland, I saw him smile and there was a lively
look in his eyes, like he enjoyed teasing her."

"Well I did not have the best relationship with Mr. Taylor,
let me assure you. I think he lost some of his orneriness
when Lundy died. By the following December, Mr. Grantland
and I left Cutter Gap for Boston. I never got to say
good-bye to him. There were many families who could not
get to the Mission before we left. There had been too much
snow in the higher elevations." A brief look of grief came
over her face.

Neil knew that she was remembering leaving the Cove was
a very sad time in her life. He wondered what kind of
relationship Christy had with Grantland. He would never
ask her directly, but he hoped one day she would confide
in him.

Christy snapped out of here reverie and smiled. "Today
was a truly happy day for me. I loved hearing about my
students, where the paths they chose to take have led
them. Zady teaching Math, Rob a writer, John Spencer a
farmer. Becky and Mountie are married. Creed is a fine
wood craftsman and furniture maker. So many left to become
successful in the level lands, as Isaak used to say." She
shook her head, "What a day, and I agree with Juliet, it
was almost too much to take in for those few hours."

Mrs. Tatum appeared with a huge platter of fried chicken
and a big bowl of potato salad. Pickled beets and green
beans from her larder filled out the meal. "I decided not
to make a really heavy meal tonight," she said. "I thought
you'd all be too excited for a stick to your ribs kind of
meal. I have raspberry pie for dessert."

"I love fried chicken," said Douglas.

"Thee has two hollow legs when it comes to fried chicken,"
laughed Alice.

"You are absolutley right, Granny Alice. I'll not argue
that fact."

It was an enjoyable meal, filled with reminiscences of
the past and of earlier in the day. Douglas asked his
father about practicing medicine is such poor surroundings
and terrible conditions. Before Neil could formulate his
reply, Christy piped in," Your father had to use kitchen
tables for his operating rooms. The conditions were
insufferable. His success rate was outstanding because he
was so meticulous."

Alice smiled inwardly. Christy had become Neil's
champion. She had always tried to deny her feelings for
Neil, always saying it was just respect and friendship,
but Alice knew that they had really loved one another. Neil
wisely kept silent.

Mrs. Tatum served dessert. Raspberry pie with a lattice
crust, served with a dollop of whipped cream and hot
fresh brewed coffee. "Mrs. Tatum, I have died and gone
to heaven," said Christy. Neil watched her with unabashed
delight as she ate and savored every crumb.

"Mama, you rarely eat dessert."

"That's because I do not have a lot of will power when it
comes to sweets. Once I start, I cannot stop, so I would
rather do without. Pies are my downfall."

"What kind of pies, Mama?"

"Oh now let's see, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry,
elderberry, peach, apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, mincemeat,
and pecan."

"Stop," laughed Neil, "you are killing me." Everyone
laughed with him. "No one made sweet potato pie like
Fairlight."

"She taught me, Neil," said Christy.

"Oh happy day, Lass!"

"Fairlight, that is an unusual name," said Juliet.

"A name befitting mountain royalty, Juliet. Fairlight
Spencer was one of the most special people I have ever
met in my life, sweetheart."

"She was like a sister to me," said Neil.

"Indeed, she walked in the glory of the Lord," said Miss
Alice. "Thy mother taught her to read, Juliet. It thrilled
Mrs. Spencer to finally be able to read her Bible."

"She was my best friend," said Christy. "She took me under
her wing, and I learned so much from her."

"Bless Fairlight for teaching you how to make sweet potato
pie," reiterated Neil. Christy smiled at him, and he could
feel himself melting.

"Her passing was so sad," said Juliet. "I cried when I
read Mama's journal."

"Yes. She died in the same typhoid epidemic that eventually
killed Lundy Taylor. It almost killed your mother, Juliet,"
said Neil.

"I survived, and I am well," said Christy, smiling at
her daughter.

"Mrs. Tatum, that was the best raspberry pie I have ever
tasted. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day. Thank
you," said Christy.

You're quite welcome, Miz Christy. It was my pleasure.

‘The day's not over yet,' thought Neil grumpily. He wanted
some time alone with Christy!

End of Chapter Seven

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Eight

.................................................................................

"Christy, would you care to sit a spell in Mrs. Tatum's
garden? Ordinarily I would suggest going for a walk, but
I think that we should elevate your foot for a while."

Christy was surprised at his request. She looked at her
daughter. Juliet smiled and nodded. Douglas gave his father
the same nod. Alice merely smiled. "If thee will excuse
me, I would seek some quiet time with the Lord." The two
men stood up as Alice stood to leave the room. While Neil
assisted Christy out into the garden, Douglas escorted
Juliet into the parlor, where they continued to discuss
their parents.

"I love this time of year, Neil, when the daylight hours
are long."

"Actually since the summer solstice, they are getting
shorter."

"Don't get technical on me, Neil. Let's just enjoy the
time we have before twilight."

"Are you speaking in metaphors now?"

"No Neil, I am being literal. I am not facing the twilight
of my life, and neither are you."

"So tell me what bothered you today."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Don't play games, Christy, not with me. I told you more
than once that these eyes observe everything, even if I
do need my glasses a little more now."

She found it unnerving. He could always tell when something
bothered her. "I can't help but wonder what life would
have been like if we all had stayed."

"I would have been a miserable cur."

"What do you mean?"

"You married him."

"Neil, he had a name."

"I know that. It was just easier for me not to think of
him as a person. Over the years, to me, he was the lucky
one who married you. If I thought about him as the Reverend
David Grantland, it became too personal. But if I thought
of him as a nameless entity, who had taken away the woman
I loved, I could vent my anger, frustration and despair at
him. My pastor and I have had many a heated debate over
this. Then I find out it was all for naught. I cussed a
man for the past twenty years, and he has been gone for
sixteen of them. I mean no insult, Christy. What a splendid
waste of cusses."

"Neil you are terrible," she said laughing. "How
un-Christian of you."

"It was the last vestige of my rebellion."

"And it lasted twenty years?"

"I'm slow at a few technical, religious points."

"I pity your pastor."

"Don't. He's a rare breed of man. Salt of the earth
type. Not a prissy minister at all."

"David was not prissy," she said indignantly.

"Now don't get all huffy with me Lass. I never said he was,
Christy." Looking at her intently with his beautiful blue
green eyes, he said, "David did a lot of good in Cutter
Gap. He had my respect, begrudgingly, I'll admit. He
earned my respect, as did you. That respect and friendship
turned into love on my part. I just resented that he had
your love."

Christy looked at Neil, staring at him with her mystical
blue eyes that were now pooling with tears. "He never had
my true love, Neil. That was yours and yours alone. I
did love David. He had a special place in my heart. I
cared deeply for him and respected him, and the work
that he tried to do for his ministry. That was the bone
of contention with my mother-in-law. I did not dote on
David. We sparred, and we joked, and we laughed and we
loved. We were content and happy. But she felt that I
was never good enough for her son, in her eyes, and she
was right. Neil, I should have never married him. He was
just so persistent. Margaret came back, and I knew that
you were lost to me."

"Aye," he said. "You were lost to me. I was bound by
my vows."

"You are a noble man, Neil MacNeill. Another man would
have divorced her."

"The people of Cutter Gap do not recognize divorce,
Christy. You would have been lost to me in either case. You
would not have been allowed to teach their children,
and we would have been shunned by many in the Cove. We
chose the best path, Lass. Our lives have come around
full circle once again. You know there is only 115 miles
between Asheville and Knoxville. We are not at opposite
ends of the universe."

"I know."

"There are telephones and letters."

"No Ben Pentland to deliver them though."

"May he rest in peace," said Neil.

"Amen," she replied. "And Burl Allen taking his
place! Burl's route is mostly El Pano an the Gaps; Raven,
Low and Cutter. It's enough territory to cover."

"Aye, it is."

"Oh Neil, I wish this day would never end. I feel
reconnected to a special part of my life."

"I agree, Christy." He took her hands into his and gently
enveloped them. "Do you believe in fate, Christy?"

"I don't know that I would call it fate, Neil. Miss Alice
would say that God has a plan for each of us."

"Well, I don't think He could have made the blueprint any
clearer for us."

"Blueprint?"

"Blueprint, plan, sketch, directions. Call it whatever
you'd like, Lass. What are the chances that after twenty
years we would come to El Pano on the same day?"

"God moves in mysterious ways, Neil."

"Indeed He does." He kissed her hand. Then he brushed her
cheek with an extremely tender caress.

She looked into his eyes. There was such a range of
emotion to see in them, all jumbled about in those
wondrous orbs. Laughter, caring, love, determination,
and something else. She couldn't quite put her finger
on it. Then he kissed her. ‘Passion' she thought to
herself. ‘Passion.' It was a heart stopping moment for
both of them. It was like being kissed for the very first
time. The feeling of awe and wonder, and the uncertainty,
hoping that it was done correctly. They parted. She looked
up at him and grinned. "I feel like I am sixteen, and had
my first stolen kiss."

He laughed. "We have our children's permission, you know."

"Oh no, Neil. Two down, three to go."

"Andrew will be fine with this."

"I don't know about my boys. They are very protective of
their mother and sister."

"Should I be worried?"

"Neil, I honestly don't know. In two months, they will all
be away in college. Sally and I will be roaming around a
house full of empty rooms in Asheville."

"Who is Sally?"

"She was the nanny Mother hired when I came home with the
triplets. Sally and my mother were pillars of strength for
me. I went back to school when the children were two years
old. She helped me take care of the children as they were
growing up. When Mother got sick, she nursed her. She is
a wonderful woman, who has been part of our family for a
very long time."

"Not at all like our Mrs. Thompson. Prison guards are
softer, compared to her."

"Neil! What a thing to say."

"Actually she's a wonder. Runs our house like
clockwork. Very protective of my boys. She calls them
her lambs. That was fine when they were under five
years old. It's a little hard for them to take, being in
college now."

"Oh dear," said Christy. "Neil, I am not the green behind
the ears, barely out of school, naive teacher anymore."

"I am not the surly, opinionated, I am always right,
doctor anymore."

She waited a full second, looked at him as seriously as
she could and said, "Are you absolutely sure about that?"

He kissed her soundly. "I know that I do not have the
right, but I cannot help myself, Lass.

She sighed with contentment. He put his arm around her and
she put her head on his shoulder. "This feels so right."

"I couldn't agree more, Christy. He kissed her temple,
and smiled.

End of Chapter Eight

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Nine


Christy woke early.   She eased out of bed and tried not to
make noise. She wanted Juliet to sleep. Christy hoped to
reflect about the past forty-eight hours. She was afraid
it was all a dream. A wonderful dream, she hoped would
come true. She tried to organize her thoughts, but they
stayed a stubborn jumble in her mind.

Mrs. Tatum caught sight of her as she came down the
stairs. "How's your ankle, Miz Christy?"

"It's getting better, Mrs. Tatum. It really doesn't hurt
that much."

"Glad to hear it. Will you be joining Miss Alice and Doc
MacNeill for breakfast?"

She hesitated, then nodded. So much for reflection, she
thought. As she entered the room Neil stood up. His eyes
crinkled with loving warmth. "Good morning, Lass."

He was irresistible, she thought. Smiling, she said,
"Good morning." Neil pulled out her chair and she sat down.

"How does thee feel this morning, Christy?"

"My ankle feels better. It still twinges now and then." She
smiled at her mentor and at Neil.

"What are thy plans for the day?"

"I honestly do not know. I thought that I would let Juliet
sleep in."

"Our children talked for a very long time last night." said
Neil.

"About what?"

"Douglas did not enlighten me."

"Oh dear."

"Thee both raised fine children. Thee need not
be concerned. They were under the watchful eye of
Mrs. Tatum. I believe they were comparing their childhoods,
and their parents," said Alice. Have either of thee talked
about thy future?"

"No," she said.

"Yes, " he said.

"Maybe."

"A little."

"Are thee concerned about thy sons, Christy?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"For most of their lives they had my father and George
to look up to for advice and to support them. George is
raising his own family, and father is gone now. The boys
have always been protective of me. They are on the brink
of manhood and I know that they are concerned about me. I'm
afraid they will feel threatened by Neil."

"I assure you, Christy, that I am quite civilized,"
said Neil.

Christy looked hurt. "I was not inferring that you weren't
Neil. How could you think that of me?"

"Actually, I was just trying to be humorous. I can see
that it went over like a lead balloon."

Alice laughed. "If I close my eyes I feel as though I am
back at the Mission with the two of thee sparring away
at each other. Nothing has changed, and yet everything
has changed. Thee have both moved on, and yet thee are
anchored to one another by the feelings thee both still
harbor for one another. Learn from my experience. Do not
try to direct thy children's lives. Thee have both raised
wonderful children. They are all fledging the nest. They
will make mistakes and learn from them. That's the learning
process. Neil, Christy, look to thine own lives. Thy
children are following the paths of their lives. Your paths
have crossed again. Will thee travel it together? It is thy
decision to make, not your children. Life is a difficult
road at the best of times. We have all become reacquainted
with the joy, the spirit that we had twenty years ago. We
must not lose it. Thee must think of thy future. Take time
today to talk to each other, and most importantly, listen
to one another."

Neil and Christy looked and nodded to each other. "Let's
go for a ride, Lass."

Christy agreed. She went upstairs to change and to tell
Juliet that she would be with Neil. He stopped in the
kitchen complimenting Mrs. Tatum on the bountiful breakfast
and asked her if she could pack a picnic for two.

She said she could, and Neil then walked to the livery
to rent two horses. Mrs. Tatum out did herself, with
a romantic picnic for two. Christy came down dressed
for riding, as Neil rode up with the horses. Mrs. Tatum
delivered their picnic, and they were off. Christy wore
her hair down, tied at the neck with a scarf, to Neil's
eternal delight.

"Join me in a cup of tea, Miz Alice?"

"It would give me great pleasure to join thee."

"I am so happy to see Doc and Miz Christy together again."

"Indeed, they seem pleased to renew their friendship."

"Friendship? Miz Alice, I hope it will be more than just
friendship!"

"So do I, Mrs. Tatum, so do I."

...........................................

"Where are we going, Neil?"

"To a quiet place, I hope."

"What do you mean, you hope?"

"Well, it has been twenty years. I think the area might
be part of the National Forest, but I do not know if the
land has been logged yet."

"I hope not."

"It's a special place, Christy. It has a beautiful cascade,
you might enjoy watching."

"I love waterfalls, Neil."

"I thought you might."

"What made you move to Knoxville?"

"As you well know, I do not suffer fools gladly. The
administration changed, and I did not care for the way
they were running the hospital. You know how I work,
Christy. Patients always come first. If it takes ten
minutes or five hours, I will do whatever I have to do
for the patient. Some did not agree with me. So I chose to
leave. I've found my niche in Knoxville. The boys adjusted
well, as did I. I do not regret the move. It had brought
me closer to you."

They crossed a wide creek. "It's just around the curve in
the path. Can you hear the water rushing?"

"Yes. It sounds wonderful." Ten minutes later they came
to the cascade.

"Oh, Neil, it takes my breath away. It is so beautiful!"

Neil found a mossy bank and spread the blanket.

"Neil, times seems to stand still here."

"Yes, Christy, it has a rhythm all its own. The sound of
the water rushing over the rocks and nature's constant
movement is a wonder to behold."

"Neil, time has not stood still for either one of us. It's
been twenty years since we saw each other. We've both
changed very much. I have had to make life changing
decisions. I've lived through emotionally difficult
times. I am very independent, Neil."

"I can see that, Christy. I have not had an easy path
either. I uprooted my children at a difficult time in their
lives. Adolescence is a gut wrenching challenge for every
parent and child. My boys understood how I felt about being
a good doctor. I have always had a very open relationship
with my sons. I am blessed. They're not perfect, and we've
had a few missteps along the way. I consider myself a
lucky man to have two fine young men as my sons."

"I agree with you Neil. The triplets were a challenge,
they still are. My boys, well, they can be devils and
Juliet, well she's the oldest, a fact she rarely lets them
forget. We've had an interesting life, the four of us."

"Your daughter is delightful."

"Thank you. I think that she is very special. She's a
helpless romantic, like me I suppose. Neil, there is a
part of me that has loved Dr. Neil MacNeill, the stubborn,
cantankerous, difficult doctor of Cutter Gap, of twenty
years ago. The man who yelled at me, put me in my place,
taught me to persevere, and showed me how to love his
people. But I've changed, you've changed. What do we
do now?"

"You say we've changed. We're older, wiser now. Our inner
core is the same, Christy. I think that we must take this
one step at a time. The important thing is talking to one
another. I know things are different. I have been tempered
by time. Why are you so worried about your sons?"

"It is difficult to explain. I suppose it is David who
concerns me the most. He plans to become a minister like
his father. I don't see the fire of faith in him. He claims
this is what he wants to do with his life, but, I have my
doubts, Neil."

"Why do you have doubts, Christy?"

"Because my harridan of a mother-in-law wrote a letter to
David and basically told him it was his duty to follow in
his father's footsteps and become a minister. The letter
came at a crucial point in his life, and I am afraid he
took it to heart. I want my children to be happy. I want
them to feel free to choose an occupation that they will
love. William was always asking my father questions. I can
hear him now asking "why Grandpa, why?" And my father with
the infinite patience of Job, would answer him. My daughter
is very focused. Juliet wants to be a teacher. From the
time she started school, she has played teacher. Her dolls
were the best educated in Asheville."

Neil laughed heartily. How she loved his laughter! In
Cutter Gap she rarely heard it, which is why she
appreciated it so much, and treasured it. Hearing him laugh
had caused her to stumble and fall. He, of course, had no
idea he affected her in such a way. "Have you spoken to
your minister about David?"

"Yes, several times. He agrees with me. He has warned
me that David could have a rude awakening when he enters
theological school. I am extremely worried for him."

"How does that affect us?"

"I don't know, Neil."

"I think you do."

"What do you mean?"

"If your son comes running home confused and upset, you
will put your own desires behind you and fuss and worry
about your son."

"You sound a little harsh, Neil."

"I worry that you will allow your children to dictate your
life, Christy."

"What are you saying?"

"What about us, Lass?"

"Neil, what do you mean?"

"Do you love me, Christy?"

"Yes. Do you love me, Neil?"

"I adore you. So how do we proceed? Do we tell our children
that we are in love and let the chips fall where they may?"

"Neil..."

"If your son David disapproves of us, will you stop loving
me? Will you tell me you cannot consider spending the rest
of your life as my wife because your son David cannot
handle the fact that his mother has a life to live on
her own?"

"Neil you are angry."

"Bully for you."

"You sounded like Teddy Roosevelt just now."

He sighed.  "I guess I did. I am worried that we are going
to lose what we have just rediscovered."

"Neil, we have only been reconnected to each other less
than three days. You asked me if you could court me
yesterday. I said yes. I do not plan to marry you at the
end of this week for goodness sake. We were this close
to shouting at one another a minute ago. My children are
just as important to me as yours are to you. Do not try
and dictate to me what I should or should not do with
my children, Neil. They are seventeen years old, and on
the edge of discovering it's a big, old, harsh world out
there. On the other hand, I have not intention of keeping
them attached to my apron strings."

They were silent for a while. Christy was afraid that the
magical mood was broken. Neil realized he was afraid of
losing her again. "Christy," I don't know if I can ever put
into words how I felt on that day when you came to my cabin
and saw Margaret kissing me. It was her desperation and
fear of her illness, of being alone and dying. I saw you
and realized that you might misinterpret what you saw. As
I rode into the school yard and saw Grantland proposing
to you I felt utterly helpless. I had no right to try
and claim you. I had no future. You see, I built a wall
around my heart when Margaret "died" in the river. Love was
for fools. Then you came to Cutter Gap. I didn't realize
that you chipped away at the wall until it was gone. I
began erecting it again when I heard that you had married
him. I tried to keep my vows to Margaret. I tried to do
right, but my heart was cold. The boys brought me joy and
happiness and a different kind of love. After she died,
the wall was firmly in place. I would never fall in love
again. And then you literally fell back into my life, and
the wall is gone. I don't know if I could bear the weight
of another wall if I were to lose you again."

"You won't lose me, Neil."

"I don't know what I would do, Lass. I don't know what I
would do."

"Neil, you won't lose me. I am sorry. By worrying, I've
created a tempest in a teapot. I know that you and I will
write and telephone each other. I would like you to meet
my sons before they leave for college."

"I would like that very much, Christy."

"I don't know when Andrew will be finished with his special
project at Jefferson. He wasn't sure if he would be getting
any vacation time this summer. I would like you to get to
know him."

"We will work this all out, Neil. I promise. Let's change
the subject.  Now, would you like to share some lunch?"

"Yes Lass, I would."

Mrs. Tatum had prepared sliced ham on biscuits, some fried
chicken, pickles, jars of lemonade, sugar cookies and
fresh strawberries. It was a feast for the two of them. The
waterfall made a perfect, romantic, backdrop. Neil rolled
his sleeves up. Christy has forgotten the effect that the
sight of his arms had on her in the past.  It took all of
Christy's will power not to swoon. Her heart fluttered.
Then Neil fed her a strawberry, and she almost passed
out in his arms.  She looked up into his gorgeous eyes.
He fed her another strawberry.   She licked the juice from
her bottom lip.  He stared at her.

"Neil," she whispered.

He bent toward her and gelntly placed his lips on her lips.
Her kiss tasted of strawberries.  He pulled the scarf from
her hair as he kissed her again.   ‘Bliss,' he thought.

End of Chapter Nine

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Ten

.................................................................................

Neil and Christy ambled back to the boarding house. The
day had been spent with conversation spaced with long
periods of comfortable silence. They just enjoyed being
in one another's company. They did not talk about saying
goodbye. Neil could see the unhappiness at that prospect
welling up in the back of Christy's eyes. She tried to
put up a good front. The valiant effort might work with
everyone else, but not with him. It was impossible to
explain. From the very first time he saw Christy, leaning
over Bob Allen's prone figure, and he looked into her eyes,
he stepped into infinity. One brief, fleeting moment of
time standing still, and then it was over. His life was
never the same. She had changed everything.

They walked arm in arm from the livery to the boarding
house. "What time is your train, Neil?"

"Eleven o'clock. Your train is earlier, isn't it?"

"Yes, at nine."

"Not that it matters, Lass. I don't expect to get
much sleep tonight. I'll be thinking too much about
you." Christy felt the same way. She squeezed his
hand. They were oblivious as people watched them walk
towards the boarding house.

Douglas, Juliet and Miss Alice were sitting on the
porch sipping refreshing glasses of iced tea. "When thee
gets home, Juliet, make sure that thy brothers read thy
mother's journals. They must have an understanding about
the life thy mother led in Cutter Gap. How the conditions
in the Cove tempered her. Here come thy parents. See how
happy they are together as they approach us? That aura
that surrounds them comes from the fire within their
hearts. They have kept it banked for twenty years. It is
time to set it free."

"I don't believe that William will give Mama a hard
time. David is the nudge," said Juliet.

"Just like his father," said Miss Alice.

"What do you mean?"

"Thy father was young. Cutter Gap was his first parish as
the sole minister. Sometimes he saw the world in terms
of black and white. He could not see the myriad shades
of gray in between. There were times in the Cove when he
could be as long headed as the highlanders."

"Long headed, Granny?" asked Douglas.

"Stubborn, mule headed," she replied, "like thy father
can be sometimes." Douglas laughed.

"Mama never complained about Papa."

"No, she would never complain. But sometimes he treated
her like a child, not giving her credit for good, solid
opinions. He rarely discussed his decisions with her. Like
most men of his time, he thought he knew best. Thy mother
did not want to leave Cutter Gap. The new post was in
Boston, near thy Grandmother Grantland. She had been
after thy father to come home because Ida was so far away
in California. Moving there with Clarence Sweetwater was
the best thing Ida could have done. It saved her from an
unhappy life."

Christy and Neil had reached the porch. "Would thee like
some tea?" asked Alice.

"Yes please," said Christy. Neil nodded.

"I'll go get glasses," said Juliet.

"I'll help you," said Douglas.

"How hard can it be to carry two glasses?" asked Neil.

"Thy son was being gallant," said Alice.

"Oh. So is that the way the wind is drifting?"

"Like father like son," said Alice. Christy looked
startled.

"Don't panic, Lass. Neither one will rush into
anything." Christy's eyes widened. This could put a wrinkle
into things. "Don't jump to conclusions yet, Lass. They
are both matchmaking, and feeling very successful at
it." Christy laughed.

"Thy daughter is a romantic, like her mother."

"Yes she is, Miss Alice. She asked me once if all our
wishes came true. I told her we have to be careful
what we wish for. That sometimes it could take a long,
long time. Some things were worth waiting for. And I
have discovered that indeed they are. I used to wonder
how Cutter Gap could possibly survive without us. How
presumptive of me. These past few days have shown me that
it did indeed survive. Families endured. Their spirit was
not broken by our departure. And when we leave tomorrow,
everything will return to its original place. Life
will continue in the Cove as it will in Asheville
and Knoxville. We'll resume the threads of our life,
embellished perhaps by what we have experienced here."

Neil did not care for the tack she was taking. Before he
could get too excited with his rebuttal, Alice quietly
stepped in. "Thee are mistaken, Christy."

"What do you mean?"

"After much needed reflection, I have decided to return
to Cataleechie. The Mission is still viable there."

The silence was deafening. Neil watched his mother-in-law
intently. She was removing herself from his household
as if she were an impediment to his relationship with
Christy. She looked at them and dared them to say a
word. Christy sat there flabbergasted. Juliet and Douglas
returned with two glasses of iced tea. They felt the quiet
before the storm. What had happened? They had only been
gone five minutes. Could anyone make sense of adults?

"What's the matter? What's going on?" asked Douglas.

"Granny Alice dropped a bombshell on us," said Neil.

"What do you mean, Pa?"

"She isn't coming home with us."

"Neil, I have not been struck dumb, I can speak
for myself, thank you very much. Douglas, I am not
returning to Knoxville with thee. I am going to minister
at Cataleechie. It is time for me to resume my mission
work and my ministry. I spoke with the minister, Reverend
Harkness. My services are needed. You boys will be back in
school in September. I have been reflecting on this for
a while, and have decided that this is what I need to do
for myself. It is not the end of the world."

"Granny you must be joking."

"Douglas, I never joke about my mission work. Thee will be
in college. Mrs. Thompson can look after thy father. It
is time that I returned to my journey in faith." Douglas
protested. "I am not dropping off the face of the earth,
Douglas. Cataleechie is accessible from Knoxville."

"It just seems so sudden, Alice," said Neil.

"I have been at sixes and sevens with myself since Douglas
graduated high school. I am not ready to retire, nor am
I an invalid. I feel that returning to ministry will help
strengthen me. Visiting Cutter Gap yesterday has renewed
my spirit. I plan to spend a few days in Cataleechie. I
will return to Knoxville to pack my things and say my
goodbyes. It is not the end of the world. Thee should all
be happy for me."

Christy smiled. "Will you let me continue to write to you,
Miss Alice?"

"Of course, my dear. Thy letters have always been precious
to me. Keep me apprised of thy family. I promise to come
and visit with thee. I would like to meet thy sons."

"As would I," said Neil.

Christy turned to him and raised her eyebrow at him. "You
are all welcome to come and visit us in Asheville."

"And you are always welcome in Knoxville."

Juliet felt she was at a tennis match. Mrs. Tatum
interrupted them. "Dinner is just about ready folks."

Sitting around the table, Alice requested everyone to
hold hands during the blessing. "Dear Father in Heaven, we
thank thee for allowing us to partake in this meal. Thee
has blessed all of us in so many ways. Thee has seen
fit to bring us all together for a special purpose,
and a new beginning. We thank thee Lord for all of thy
blessings. Amen"

"Amen," they answered. Once again, Mrs. Tatum had outdone
herself, with ham, sweet potatoes, greens and peaches. Her
biscuits were light as a feather. Conversation was
animated. Juliet talked with Douglas about what to expect
in college. He was having difficulty putting it all into
perspective for a girl.

Christy indicated that she would be teaching second grade
in September. She was looking forward to the change. She
had previously taught Kindergarten and the Sixth grades.

Neil told her that he was going to cut back his schedule
so that he would have more free time. He delivered this
with a very bland look on his face.

"What do you mean by free time, Neil?" she asked.

"No obligations. I can do whatever I want, whenever I
want. Why, for instance, I can jump into my car and drive
to Asheville."

"Do you drive a car, Neil?"

"Of course I do."

"You could have driven here."

"Country roads leave a lot to be desired. It was easier
to take the train."

"You can take the train to Asheville. I could pick you up
at the station."

"Do you drive, Christy?""Yes I do."

"Well fancy that," said Alice, smiling.

"The school I first taught in was a distance away. Tongues
certainly wagged when I drove the Model T. Mama bought me
a driving coat with a hat and gloves to match. I thought
I looked like the cat's meow!"

"I'll bet you did, Lass."

"Actually, Grandpa once told me everyone called her
eccentric. There's a picture of her somewhere in an album
wearing the outfit."

"I'd love to see it," said Neil.

"We were too young to remember the outfit or that
particular automobile. Actually it was Grandpa's
automobile."

"That's right, Juliet. I was a poor widow. How could I
possibly afford an automobile?" Everyone laughed.

"Grandpa made sure that we took plenty of pictures. He
wanted the three of us to have special memories. I
remember the first time I thought Mama was a princess. I
was probably around seven years old. Mama was dressed in
a blue velvet gown for the Winter Cotillion. It's held
every January."

"Blue was always your color, Lass."

"And yours, Neil." He smiled at the compliment. "Was your
dance card full, Lass?"

"No. I think I danced with my father, and my uncles, and
maybe one of Daddy's partners. It's been too many years
since my dance card was full," said Christy ruefully.

"Well there is a remedy for that, Lass. Let me know the
date in January and I will make sure that you attend
with a full dance card, for I intend to dance every dance
with you!"

Christy raised her eyebrow at him. "Are you sure that I
want to dance with you?"

"Are you sure that you want to tease me like that, Lass?"

Christy's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh we'll really
set the Asheville tongues a'wagging. The Widow Grantland
has a mysterious gentleman caller."

"A man on a quest," said Douglas. "You know that my father
can be quite relentless and single minded for a cause."

"Is that how you see me, as a cause?" asked Christy.

"A very good cause," said Douglas.

"An excellent cause," said Miss Alice.

"A wish come true cause," said Juliet.

"My heartfelt cause," said Neil. Christy smiled at him
and sighed.

Mama, I do hope I'll be home on the break between class
sessions so that I will be able to see you," said Juliet.

"Do you mean to attend this Cotillion, Juliet?" asked
Douglas.

"Yes, I had my debut last year."

"In that case, if we are indeed still on semester break,
may I have the honor of escorting you to the Cotillion?"

Juliet's eyes widened. "Yes, thank you. I'd be honored."

"Our parents might need chaperones," said Douglas.

Alice hooted with laughter. "Oh to be a fly on the wall
in January at the Cotillion," she said. She looked at the
couple. "A lot could happen in six months, especially with
Neil and Christy.' She smiled. Saying goodbye tomorrow
would be one of the hardest decisions of her life.

End of Chapter Ten

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Eleven

............................................................................

Christy and Juliet rose early the next morning. Christy
hated the thought of leaving. They finished
packing. Douglas had told them that he would carry their
bags to the station. They met downstairs for breakfast,
but no one was really hungry. Mrs. Tatum fussed around
them like a mother hen.

As Christy sipped her tea, Neil came in and greeted
them. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Neil."

"Good morning," said Juliet.

"Douglas is bringing your bags down to the foyer," he
said, as he kissed Christy on the cheek. "Is Alice about?"

"We haven't seen her yet."

"She was out early."

"Have you had breakfast, Neil?"

"Yes, about an hour ago."

"You were up early then?"

"Actually I didn't sleep very well, and judging from the
smudges under your eyes, neither did you."

"Your eyes don't miss a trick," Christy said with a smile.

"Now you have my telephone number and address."

"Yes, Neil."

"Here is where I can be reached at the hospital. Don't
ever hesitate to call.

"Neil, I will not bother you at work."

"Be that as it may. I want you to be able to reach me
whenever you need me."

Alice joined them. "I did not want to miss saying goodbye
to thee both. I suggest that you leave some time for saying
goodbye at the station. There is a slight crowd gathered
at the station.

Neil took Christy's hand and led her into the garden. "I'll
say my private goodbye now." He kissed her deeply. "Words
cannot express the joy and happiness I feel having you
back in my life, Christy."

"Oh Neil, I hate saying goodbye to you." He kissed her
again.

There was a discreet cough. They parted. Juliet said,
"Forgive me for interrupting you, but it's getting late
Mother." Christy nodded. She hugged Neil as hard as she
could, trying to hold on to him forever. Juliet hugged
him goodbye,

"Have a safe trip, Lassie. Look after your Mama for me."

"Yes sir," said Juliet. "I will."

They bid Mrs. Tatum goodbye and thanked her for all that
she had done. Indeed there was a small crowd of folks. Jeb,
Tom, Opal, Ruby Mae and her three daughters all came to
say goodbye. It was a difficult farewell for Christy. She
hugged Miss Alice, crying openly as she bid her mentor
adieu. She hugged Douglas. He hugged Juliet goodbye, as
she was crying just like her mother.

Neil took Christy's hand and kissed it. "I love you,
Christy."

She nodded. "I love you too, Neil." She turned to go. Her
heart was breaking again as it had when she left with
David twenty years earlier. Mother and daughter settled
into their seats, dabbing their eyes with already sodden
handkerchiefs. "What a pair we are," said Christy, laughing
through her tears. The train started to pull away. Christy
tried desperately not to look back, but she could not help
herself. She looked out the window and watched the love
of her life slowly disappear from her view.

The trip home was uneventful. Juliet chattered about
Douglas MacNeill--how kind he had been to her. She
talked about their conversations and how different their
upbringing was from his.

"How so?" asked Christy.

"Dr. MacNeill was at the hospital most of the time. He
tried to be there when the boys got home from school. If
he couldn't be there, he always tried to be home for
dinner. Their Granny Alice worked at their church, but
she was always home when they came home. She stayed with
them summers during vacation, so that they were rarely
alone. Mrs. Thompson is their cook and housekeeper. The
boys call her Tommy for short. Apparently she can be a
force to be reckoned with."

"Oh dear," said Christy. She thought that the last thing
this woman would want is another female in the house.

The boys met them at the station. Christy hugged them
both. "Well," said William, "how did it go?" He loaded
their bags in the car.

"It was unbelievable," said Juliet.

"What do you mean?" asked David.

"There were so many people who came to pay their respects."

"Sounds more like a wake to me," said David.

Christy slapped his arm playfully. "We'll have none of
that now. I had an unexpected and delightful surprise in
store for me. Miss Alice Henderson, Doctor Neil MacNeill
and his son Douglas, were also visiting Cutter Gap."

"We arrived on the same day, Will, and we got their
first. Mama was so surprised to hear their voices, she
fell down the stairs."

"Juliet, I merely stumbled."

"Mama, when you heard the voice of your Dr. MacNeill, you
fell and hurt your ankle."

"Her Dr. MacNeill?" asked David. "Are you all right, Mama?"

"Yes I am fine."

"That's right, David. I said her Dr. MacNeill. It was
so romantic."

"Juliet!"

"What's wrong, Mama? I think it is just so wonderful that
you should meet him again after all these years. He fixed
her ankle and carried her so that she wouldn't put pressure
on it."

"What about his wife?" asked David.

"He's a widower. His wife died before our Papa."

"Oh," said David.

"How many children does he have?" asked William.

"Two. One is studying to be a doctor. His name is
Andrew. The other, Douglas, is studying history. He is very
well versed in European history. He really loves American
history the best. He especially likes to read about the
war of Northern Aggression."

"You certainly know a lot about Douglas MacNeill," said
Christy smiling.

"Well Mama, you were gone practically all day on your
picnic with Doctor MacNeill. Douglas was a complete
gentleman. Will and Davy, don't get your hackles up. His
Granny Alice spent time with us as well."

"Is Granny Alice the same person as Miss Henderson,
Mama?" asked Will.

"Yes, honey, she is. It was such a coincidence. Miss
Alice wanted to visit the old Mission, and Juliet wanted
to visit after reading my journals about my time there."

"Miss Alice said the hand of God brought us all together,"
said Juliet. "You should both read Mama's journals. After
seeing the Mission and meeting some of the people, I can
see why Mama hated to leave the Cove."

They reached their house. David and William carried in
their bags. "Hello Sally, " called Juliet. Sally greeted
her with a hug.

"Hello Sally. It's good to be home, " said Christy.

"How was Cutter Gap?"

"Oh Sally, Mama met her long lost love," said Juliet.

"Juliet!"

"Mama, you know it's true."

Christy blushed. This was entirely new behavior for her
sons to see. Christy smiled. "It was romantic, wasn't it?"

Sally smiled. It was good to see a happy light in Christy's
eyes after all these years. There was something definitely
different. Sally was nearly fifty-five years old, and
entertaining a marriage proposal of her own, which had
occurred only two days ago. The boys were oblivious to
her own euphoria; she watched them transfixed by their
mother's.

"Let me get tea, then you must tell me all," she said
laughing.

"Do we have lemonade?" asked Juliet.

"Yes we do," said Sally.

"May I please have that instead?"

"Of course."

"That sounds refreshing," said Christy. "I'd like some
as well."

"How about you two rapscallions?" asked Sally.

Will grinned. "Sure. Thank you Sally."

David agreed. He looked at his mother. "Now what is
going on?"

"Wait until Sally comes back." Her son wanted to
scream. Mama looked like the cat who had eaten the
canary. There was definitely something different. She
hadn't been gone a week. What could have happened in
four days?"

Sally returned with the lemonade. "So my dear, fill us in."

"I don't know where to start," said Christy.

"How about at the beginning," said David.

"Smarty pants! Well, we arrived in El Pano and went to the
boarding house. It is still run by Mrs. Tatum. She showed
us to our room. We got ourselves settled and then we went
for a walk."

Juliet said," In the general store we met Mr. Spencer
and Mr. McHone. They greeted Mama like a long lost
relative. They hugged her and kissed her. It was
unbelievable. While we were there the train from Knoxville
arrived with Miss Alice and the MacNeill's. We returned
to our room and got ready for dinner. As we came down the
stairs to the first landing, Mama heard their voices. She
stumbled and fell down the rest of the stairs."

"It was a humiliating reunion."

"Mother don't be silly. You fell with such panache!"

"Was that your scream or mine?"

"My scream," said Juliet. "They all came running from the
dining room.

He called her ‘Lass.' It was so  romantic." Juliet sighed.

"Were you hurt, Christy?" asked Sally.

"Just my ankle, which Neil bandaged for me."

"He carried Mama into the dining room. He was so gallant."

William rolled his eyes. "Oh please spare me."

Juliet hit him. "I wish you could have seen it. It was
wonderful. When you see them together you'll see that they
belong together."

"When will we meet him?"

"Soon I hope,' said Christy. "He is a very busy man."

"I'm sure he is," said David.

Christy looked at her son. "I do not appreciate the
sarcasm, young man. Neil MacNeill is a very famous ocular
surgeon and doctor. Do not treat him lightly. He does
not suffer fools gladly. This man is very special to me,
David Stephen Grantland. I love him very much! ‘There,'
she thought mutinously, ‘ I said it. Let the chips fall
where they may. Bully for me! Neil would be proud of me.'

Her sons were shocked. Sally said, "It's about
time. Sixteen years of sackcloth and ashes is almost too
much for anyone to bear. Good for you, Christy dear,
your parents would be thrilled. Is he handsome?" she
asked mischievously.

"Unbelievably so," said Juliet. "Tall, strong, brawny,
with the most delicious Scottish burr in his voice. No
wonder Mama swoons."

"Juliet!"

"Why deny it, Mama? You were walking on air the entire
time you were with him, Romance was in the atmosphere,
even when we went to Cutter Gap. I overheard Opal McHone
tell Rebecca Holt that the sparks were still flying between
the two of you."

"I don't understand," said David, " how you could
supposedly love someone else, and marry my father."

"David, how many kinds of love exist in this world?"

"I don't understand your question."

"Define love. How many ways does it exist in your
life? There are many degrees of love, David. Read my
journals. If you have questions after you've read them, I
will answer them to the best of my ability. But understand
this right now, I loved your father very much. I gave him
three of the most wonderful children in the world. I would
not have changed one thing in my life then, because if
I did, I would not have any of you. I am starting a new
chapter in my life, David, and you cannot stop me from
living it, so get used to this."

That night, David Stephen Grantland Jr. stepped into
a world he could barely fathom through his mother's
handwritten account of life in Cutter Gap, Tennessee. As
he read of trials and travails, he began to question his
purpose, for the first time since his eleventh birthday.

The following morning, two dozen roses arrived for Christy
from Neil.

End of Chapter Eleven

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Twelve

.......................................................................

Sally answered the doorbell. She was shocked to see the
roses. "Delivery for Mrs. Grantland."

"I'll take them," she said. Sally brought them into the
dining room where Christy was sipping her tea. "I suppose
he is as romantic as Juliet implied."

Christy read the card, and smiled. She showed it to Sally.

Twenty four hours seems like an eternity, Lass.

She inhaled the scent of the fragrant flowers. "Oh Sally,
it is so hard to explain. We had a tug of war relationship
when I first came to Cutter Gap.

Neil was very protective of the people. He was afraid that
we at the Mission would come in with our big ideas and
inevitably change their way of life. In the beginning, we
seemed to argue all the time, but that changed. My feelings
for him were all in a jumble. At the same time David was
trying to court me. While there were times when I know I
exasperated Neil, at the same time he was teaching me very
valuable lessons. He was always honest with me. He regarded
my opinions. Between Miss Alice and Neil, I learned never
to judge by appearance only. I have met and interacted with
the poorest of the poor, and they had more beauty, more
honesty and integrity than some of the people listed in the
Asheville social register. Times have changed in the Cove,
but it still lacks what we consider the basic amenities."

"You loved living there."

"Yes, Sally, my heart was happy there."

"Could you go back?"

"No. My time there is over."

"You said Miss Alice is going back."

"Yes, she plans to live in Cataleechie. I fear she may
find the adjustment difficult. She is over seventy now. I
worry. But there is no stopping her. Part of me knows
that she wanted to be out of the MacNeill household and
independent. She seems indefatigable, but Neil worries
about her. She has had two heart attacks."

"Maybe what David needs is a dose of Miss Alice." said
Sally.

"What do you mean?"

"She was your mentor. I refer to his calling. If he were
to work at a Mission for the summer, perhaps it could open
his eyes."

Christy nodded. "I will call her at the Mission. Sally
sometimes you are absolutely brilliant."

"I know."

"And humble as well."

"Of course, my dear, of course."

"Now tell me of your good news, Sally dear. You are simply
blooming with happiness."

Sally nodded. "Mr. Cochrane proposed to me and I accepted
his offer."

"Oh Sally, how wonderful." Christy ran to her and hugged
her. I am so happy for you."

Sally nodded. "Christy I am so very glad you have found
your Dr. MacNeill again."

"Me too," said Christy, laughing and hugging her friend.

Juliet joined them. "What's all the fuss? Oh Mother,
roses! Yellow roses.

My, my. One day apart and he sent you yellow roses! How
did he know that they were your favorite flowers, Mama?"

"Juliet darling, Sally has Sally had wonderful news."

Juliet looked at her nanny. The joy she was feeling was so
apparent. "Oh Sally, did your Mr. Cochrane propose?" Sally
nodded yes. Juliet hugged her fiercely. "Dear Sally, when
is the wedding?"

"We haven't discussed the particulars yet. I'm meeting
him for lunch today. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not, Sally, how could I mind?" said
Christy. "Love is in the air, and there is a big dose of
it in this household right now," she said laughing.

Christy spent the morning in the rose garden. Her mother
had loved this section of the garden. It was her favorite
as well. As she tended the blooms she thought of Neil and
their conversation by the cascade.

<Flashback>

He had said, "Our inner core is the same, Christy."

She had to agree.

"What is your favorite book, Christy?"

"I cannot chose one, Neil. I have many favorites."

"Christy, do not make this opportunity exercise any more
difficult than it has to be," he said.

"Opportunity exercise?"

"Yes. An opportunity for you to learn more about me, and
for me to learn more about you. And the chance for both
of us to realize we're still very much the same as we were
twenty years ago. Now, if you walked into your library to
choose a book to read, what would it be?"

She was nestled in his arms. "It would depend on my mood."

"Christy," he said with exasperation.

"Oh all right, be that way. Pride and Prejudice. And your
favorite book, Neil?"

"Rob Roy."

"What is your favorite music, Neil?"

"Opera. And yours?"

"Classical, although I must admit I found ragtime quite
catchy. But I find classical music sustains me and
soothes me."

"What is your favorite flower, Lass?"

"Roses."

"Color?"

"Blue."

"I meant what color rose, any one in particular?"

"Yellow. And your favorite flower?"

"Mountain laurel."

"What is your favorite color, Neil?"

"Blue, the same as yours."

"What is your favorite meal, Christy?"

"I suppose it would be fried chicken, especially if I can
pick it up in my fingers. I hate when I can only eat it
with a knife and a fork." Neil laughed heartily at the
picture of her trying to daintily eat a chicken wing
with cutlery. She punched his arm lightly. "Don't laugh
at me, Neil MacNeill. Now you must answer your half of
the question."

"Steak. Rare steak."

"Well," she said, "my next question would have been
favorite dessert, but we both love pie."

"That is true, my love, that is true."

"What is your favorite room in your house?"

"My study. And yours?"

"The library."

"What is your favorite place, Lass?"

"Here in these mountains. And yours Neil?"

"Any place you are."

She turned to face him. "Oh Neil, you do know how to make
my bones melt and my heart flutter." He kissed her with
controlled passion.

<End of Flashback>

Christy sighed as she felt again the yearning Neil had
rekindled.

"Mother haven't you heard a word I said?" asked William.

"What?"

"Mother, your face is all flushed. Are you having a heat
stroke?"

"Don't be silly, I am wearing my sun hat."

"Why are you so flushed?"

"Why are you asking me so many questions?"

"I only wanted to ask you if you needed anything from
town?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Then I'll be off. I should be back within the hour."

"All right."

He left her and went into the house. "Is Mama all right,
Juliet?"

"What do you mean?"

"She had a far away look in her eyes and she was all
flushed." Juliet laughed. "What's so funny?" he asked.

"Mama is in love, Will."

"Oh."

"Really Will. Mama is in love. Get used to it. And he is
a force to be reckoned with."

"What do you mean?"

"He adores Mama. Nothing will stop him from claiming
her. He loves her." David joined them. "Well hello,
sleepyhead. It's almost noon. Couldn't you sleep last
night?"

"I read Mama's journals."

"They really are something, aren't they?" she said.

David nodded. "Where's Mama?"

"In the rose garden," said William. "I'm off to town. Need
anything?"

"No. Thanks." He went to seek out his mother. "Mama?"

"Yes Davy?"

Davy and Will were nicknames used when they were
children. She used them sparingly, but with great
affection, and when she did, it was a special time
indeed. "I need to talk to you."

"I'm here. You know you can always talk to me. You were
up late last night."

He nodded. "How did you know?"

"Well, if it weren't for the tell tale smudges under
your eyes this morning, it was the light shining under
your door at two o'clock this morning. I take it you read
my journals?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I have hundreds of questions."

"Well, ask them one at a time." She ran her fingers through
his hair.

"Why did you go to Cutter Gap?"

"I was inspired by the story of a highland people, woven by
a masterful storyteller. I felt the need. I was drawn. I
was a dreamer. I felt I could do some good. I felt that
I had a calling to teach at the Mission."

"You were so brave."

"I was scared witless, Davy."

"You had courage."

"I put my trust in God. I felt that He had brought me to
those mountains to do a job, and I wanted to do it well,
to the best of my ability."

"Grandmother Grantland said it was my duty to become
a minister."

"Your grandmother wasn't God. She had no right to tell
you that, David."

"I realize that now."

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't know. I have focused on ministry."

"Would you like me to talk to Miss Alice? Do you think
that you might like to volunteer at a Mission during the
summer? Don't say yes or no yet. Talk to our pastor. David,
you have your whole life ahead of you. I want you to do
something that will give you joy. Think about it, please."

"Mama, about your Dr. MacNeill."

"Yes?" she asked warily, holding her breath.

"He has good taste."

"Indeed he does," she said laughing and hugging her
youngest son.

End of Chapter Twelve

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Thirteen

.......................................................................

Later in the evening Christy called Neil. Mrs. Thompson
answered the telephone. "MacNeill residence."

"Good evening, may I please speak to Dr. MacNeill," asked
Christy. "This is Mrs. Grantland."

"I'll see if he is available."

Christy heard some muttering on the other end of the
telephone. ‘Oh dear,' she thought.

"Dr. MacNeill, there's a Mrs. Grantland on the line, do
you want me to tell her that you cannot be disturbed? She
did not indicate that it was a medical emergency."

Neil jumped up out of the chair as fast as he could,
astonishing her. "No, I'll take it in my study," he said
quickly. She went back to the foyer to wait for Neil to
pick up the telephone. She heard him say "Christy, what
a delightful surprise."

Then she said, "Thank you for my lovely roses, Neil. They
are beautiful."

Oona Thompson carefully put down the
receiver. ‘Dr. MacNeill sent roses to this mysterious
lady. He never, ever sent flowers to women. He called her
Christy. What had happened in El Pano? Why didn't Miss
Alice come home with them?' She would have to pry it out
of Douglas.

"Neil the roses are absolutely beautiful. Thank you."

"You are welcome, Christy dearest. Now when will I see
you again?"

"Tell me what your schedule is, Neil. I want you to meet
my sons."

"I want you to meet Andrew."

"We have to coordinate our schedules."

Neil said, "I agree."

"When is Andrew free?"

"I'll call him and find out."

"Neil, I spoke with Miss Alice tonight. David is going to
spend the summer at the Mission in Cataleechie with her. I
was so worried about his reaction to our reunion. It was
indeed a tempest in a teapot. David says you have good
taste. I happen to agree with my son," she said laughing.

"I want you here forever, Christy."

"Oh Neil, what have we done? So many decisions to make
about the future."

"One at a time, Lass. Just know that I love you my sweet."

"I love you too, Neil. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." He sighed with happiness and smiled. Douglas
had been right!

Douglas came bounding down the steps. He went into the
kitchen to raid the pantry. He was in the mood for Tommy's
special chocolate cake and a tall glass of milk. "Who was
on the telephone, Tommy?"

Mrs. Thompson replied, "A Mrs. Grantland."

Douglas smiled broadly. "She must have gotten Pa's roses."

"Who is she?"

"Tommy, she's Pa's long, lost love."

"Do you have time to give me a history lesson? she asked
as she cut him a very large piece of cake. Douglas's eyes
widened at the size of the portion.

"She taught at the Mission school in Cutter Gap where Pa
was born. He was the doctor. The fell in love with one
another, but never really declared themselves. They were
both a little stubborn. My father believed that my mother
was dead. She let him and Granny Alice think that she
had drowned. Before Pa and Mrs. Grantland could let each
other know how they felt, Mother came back. Mrs. Grantland
knew that she could never marry my father. My mother
left again. The Preacher began to court Mrs. Grantland
in earnest. Pa was no longer a rival. My mother came
back. She was sick with tuberculosis. Father took her to
Baltimore. Reverend Grantland married Christy. They moved
to Boston. My mother died when I was born. The Preacher
died in 1918. But neither Pa nor Mrs. Grantland knew
that the other's spouse had passed away. It was by pure
coincidence that we all met in El Pano. Granny Alice was
inspired to return to the Mission work in Cataleechie. It's
about thirty minutes from El Pano."

"You'd like Mrs. Grantland, Tommy. She's a tiny little
thing. It was fun to hear her bantering with Pa. I haven't
ever heard him laugh so much. It was amazing to watch
them together."

Neil joined them. "Any cake left?" She cut him a
piece. "Mrs. T you make the best chocolate cake in the
whole world." She smiled.

"How's Mrs. Grantland, Pa?"

"She's fine, Douglas. She loved the roses."

"I told you so."

"What woman in her right mind wouldn't love to receive
roses?" asked Mrs. Thompson.

Neil smiled. "I managed to choose her favorites."

"So we're courting, are we?" asked Mrs. Thompson.

"Yes Mrs, T, we are."

"How is Juliet?"

"Who is Juliet?"

"Christy's daughter. She also has two sons. They are
triplets. They just graduated from high school."

"Mrs. Grantland is rather young."

"She's forty one. I want her to come and visit us. She
wants to meet Andrew."

"What about her boys?"

"They will probably come too."

"Where will they stay?" asked Mrs. Thompson.

"Here," said Neil. "There's plenty of room.

"You'll have to give me plenty of warning, Doctor."

"Mrs.T, don't worry. Christy is one of the easiest and
nicest people you will ever meet in your life."

‘We'll see about that,' she thought. Oona Thompson could
be as formidable as a block of granite. Her husband Clancy
had worked at the hospital in Baltimore. When Neil started
to work there, he got to know Clancy, who had been born
in Scotland. Neil expressed the need for a housekeeper,
Clancy suggested his wife. Oona was a force to be reckoned
with. She loved the boys, her lambs, as she referred to
them. She even accepted their nickname of Tommy, because it
was full of affection. Neil was always "Doctor," and she
had the utmost respect for him. She was almost the same
age as Miss Alice. She had stayed with the family after
her husband died, and moved with them to Knoxville. She
was very protective of the MacNeill's and could never
understand why the good doctor had never remarried. Now she
knew. He had loved and pined for this mysterious Christy.

Neil called Andrew. "Pa, it's good to hear from you. How
was Granny's trip to the Mission?"

"It was an extraordinary trip, Andy. We met Christy
Huddleston, I mean Grantland. She was there when your
mother came back the first time, and the final time,
when we moved to Baltimore. Christy married the Mission's
preacher."

"Is she the mysterious woman you always loved, Pa?"

Silence reigned for a moment, as Neil was stunned by his
question. "Yes. How did you know?"

"I always wondered why we never had any pictures of Mother
around, when I was little. I remember asking my friend
Eddie about it. He said most men didn't go for that sort
of sissy kind of stuff. I think we were all of about
eight years old at the time. Eddie said his father had
a picture of his mother in his top dresser drawer, where
he kept his brush and moustache comb and cufflinks, spare
change. You know what I mean. So I went looking in your
dresser drawer, and I found the box. I was curious, so
I peeked inside. It had a note thanking you for teaching
a science class, a blue hair ribbon, a handkerchief that
had the letter "C" in blue stitches, a dried rose and some
other kind of dried flower."

"It had been part of a wreath for her hair, that I wove for
her." Neil smiled. The box now contained the scarf Christy
wore during their picnic at the cascade. It had come loose,
she never noticed, so he'd put it in his pocket. He had
intended to give it back to her, but he'd forgotten.

"You loved her."

"Yes, but I could never tell her. I fell in love with her
before your mother came back. I believed that your mother
was dead. We each tried to fight our feelings. She was
torn, the preacher was also trying to court her. I could do
nothing. I was not free. The second time your mother came
back it was an embarrassing incident for all of us. There
was a tea house in El Pano where they served watered down
moonshine to their customers. Your mother was one of the
tea house girls. There was a big brouhaha involving some of
the Cove's wives and their husbands. Your Granny and I went
to stop the trouble and we discovered your mother. Christy
later went to talk to her, to tell her I was worth fighting
for. Your mother always felt that Christy was a goody two
shoes. Christy accepted the Preacher's proposal. I brought
your mother to Baltimore for treatment."

"It sounds to me that the teacher sacrificed her love
for you."

"That is part of the reason why I still love her. She is
so unselfish. Seeing her in El Pano brought it all back
to me."

"How does she feel, Pa?"

"The same way, son."

Andy was pleased at his father's news. "When do I get to
meet her?"

"When are you free?"

"After July 15th."

"All right. I'll try to set up an amenable time for
everyone. Now tell me about your research."

Twenty minutes later Neil hung up the telephone. He looked
at his watch. It was too late to call Christy. He would
speak to her tomorrow. He sat there, smoking his pipe,
recalling their bantering. It made him smile. Then he
remembered their first real kiss, and their subsequent
kisses. The time spent with her was too short. He wanted
her permanently in his life. ‘I have been lonely for too
long a time, Lord. Your have brought her back into my
life, and I do not want to be without her. Please help me
to do the right thing. We could be a happy family. I know
we can,' he thought, smiling.

End of Chapter Thirteen Title: "Serendipity" Chapter
Fourteen

...........................................................

Neil was called to the hospital on the wee hours of the
morning. A man had fallen asleep at the wheel of his
car. The steering wheel had damaged his eye socket when
the car crashed and his face hit the wheel. It was almost
noon when he got out of surgery. The surgeons who assisted
him were amazed at his meticulous attention to detail, and
his tiny stitches. When they commented to him, he reminded
them that he tied tiny trout flies for fishing. "How small
a hook, Doc?"

"A size 24 if I'm tying ants. I also practice tying
surgical knots in the space of a small wooded matchbox. The
smaller stitches the better, it leaves tinier scars. If
my stitches are sloppy, he'll have bigger scars. There
may be some disfigurement involved, and I do not want to
see his children scared by their father's appearance.

It was two o'clock by the time he got home from the
hospital. "Did you have some lunch, Doctor?"  asked
Mrs. Thompson.

"I grabbed something at the hospital."

"Oh pish, I said lunch, not swill."

He laughed. She returned with a chicken sandwich and a tall
glass of iced tea, with mint. He grinned. "Thanks, Mrs. T."

"You're welcome, Doctor."

He sat down in the parlor after lunch to read the
newspaper. Then he remembered that he wanted to call
Christy. He picked up the telephone and dialed. Sally
answered the telephone. "Hello?"

Neil did not recognize the voice. "Good afternoon. This
is Dr. MacNeill.  Is Christy about?"

Sally sat down. ‘What a scrumptious voice!'  "Yes,
Dr. MacNeill, one moment please. It may take a moment
to extricate her. She's being pinned." Neil cocked his
eyebrow. ‘Being pinned?'

A few minutes later, Christy picked up the
telephone. "Hello, Neil darling. What a delightful
surprise."

"Was that Sally?"

"Yes. She said it was a good thing that she is spoken for,
or she'd give me a run for my money."

Neil blushed slightly and laughed. "How are my Lasses?"

"We're just fine, Neil," she answered, happy that he was
so accepting of her daughter and hopefully her sons.

"I spoke with Andy last night. He'll be free after July
15th."

"Neil, we have nothing planned until we have to shop
earnestly before school starts in September."

"You'll come for a weekend, then?"

"Yes. We can come on a Friday and leave on Sunday. Can
your recommend a place for us to stay?"

"You'll stay with us, Lass. There's plenty of room."

"We may be too much for your housekeeper."

"Nonsense. Mrs. T will be fine. She's a veritable wonder. I
don't know what I would do without her." Mrs. Thompson,
who was cleaning nearby enough to listen, preened at
his compliment.

"Well, she's never met my rapscallions."

"I've raised two of my own rapscallions, Lass, what's two
more?" Christy laughed. "Sally said you were being pinned."

"Juliet is shortening the hemline of a dress. She was
pinning the hem for me."

"How short is short? You have beautiful legs."

"Neil!"

"Well you do.  I'm merely asking, Lass."

"Tea length."

"What is that?"

"Ask your Mrs. Thompson."

"You're teasing me."

"Am I?"

"You sound jealous."

"Wouldn't you like to think so."

"I'd never give you any reason to think that I would ever
look at anyone else now that I know you love me."

"I know that, Neil. I know that you love me. You are an
honorable man. You always have been and you always will
be. I have absolute faith and trust in you. But you should
still ask your Mrs. Thompson," she said impishly, giggling.

"You love to give me a hard time."

"Who else is there to do it?"

"No one.  I'm labeled a curmudgeon."

"If the shoe fits.............."

"Christy!"She laughed. "Doesn't everyone realize
that behind your gruff exterior lies the insides of a
marshmallow?"

"You're likening me to a marshmallow?"

"Yes, it's soft and sweet and addictive."

"Can't you do better than that, Lass?"

"Let me think for a minute." <Pause>

"Christy, are you still there?"

"I'm still thinking."

"It's a good thing there are one hundred and fifteen miles
between us right now."

"I'm quaking in fear, Neil."

"As well you should be, Lass."

"Are you threatening me?"

"What do you think?"

"Oh all right. You're like a cuddly teddy bear, how's
that?"

"It beats a marshmallow. And as long as you are doing the
cuddling, nothing else matters."

"Neil!"

"I can feel you blush through the telephone lines."

"I could never hide my feelings from you."

"No Lass, you couldn't."

"Neil," she sighed.

"I know. We cannot changed the past. We must move on."

"And we are, Neil. It's a new chapter, and I am more than
ready to begin it."

"As am I, Lass, as am I."

"I guess this means that I will see you after July 15th."

"I'll call you as soon as I have dates,
Christy." Mrs. Thompson was polishing a fine sheen into
the furniture as she listened unabashedly to what the
Doctor was saying. "Now Christy, feel free to call me."

"Neil you know I hate to bother you."

"You're not bothering me, Lass. If you need to talk, I'm
here. If I'm not, Mrs. T will give me the message. I
believe she understands how important you are to
me." Mrs. Thompson nodded to herself. "Now, Christy,
don't get upset. I know how you can be with proper
etiquette. Emily Post says it is proper for you to call
me. After all, we're courting, or dating, as Douglas
put it."

"Don't ya mean sparkin' Doc?" she giggled.

He laughed. "Oh Christy, I haven't heard the term
sparkin' in twenty years. Yes, I guess you could say
we're sparkin'."

"Neil, how will we keep our children entertained? This
could be very awkward, you know. It's not as if they can
all play together. They are all young adults."

"Well Lass, compile a list of interests, and we'll see if
they have anything in common."

"All right, I can do that."

"Oh Christy, Alice has informed me that if your David is
with her when we choose the date, she will come home with
him to Knoxville for the visit. She does not want to miss
a thing. According to her, letters do not do occasions
like this justice."

Christy laughed. "Neil she is one in a million, isn't she?"

"Indeed she is, Lass, indeed she is. Goodbye, my love."

"Goodbye, Neil and take care of yourself. I love you."

"I love you, Christy." He hung up the phone and
Mrs. Thompson moved quietly to the next room, smiling
to herself."



End of Chapter Fourteen Title: "Serendipity" Chapter
Fifteen

...........................................................

Juliet overheard part of their conversation. When it was
over, she said "Mother!" Tapping her foot, with her arms
folded over one another, she stood exactly like Christy
when she was annoyed. "How could you say how will we keep
the children entertained?" Oh, Mother, I cannot believe you
said that to Doctor MacNeill. We are not babies. Douglas
and I managed very well in El Pano, thank you very much,
while the two of you were off on your romantic excursion
to the cascade."

Christy stared at her daughter. She realized that Juliet
was imitating her to perfection. She hated the fact that
she had to look up to her daughter. She wagged her finger
at Juliet. "Don't use that tone of voice with me, young
lady," trying not to laugh.

"Mama, we're not babies."

"So you say," she said laughing, she couldn't help herself.

"Be serious."

"I am."

They both laughed together. "Really, Mama, what am I going
to do with you?"

"Love me, I guess."

"I already do, Mama."

"I know sweetheart. The three of you are so precious
to me."

"We know that, Mother."

"You know, Juliet, love is like a woolen mitten."

"What do you mean?"

"It is warm, and comforting, and it stretches to encompass
more things to hold. If I marry Doctor MacNeill..."

"Excuse me, Mama, there is no if, it is when you marry
Doctor MacNeill."

"Juliet."

"Mother, do not deny your heart or his."

"It's not so simple."

"It does not have to be complicated, either. If you marry
him, close up this house. Sally will be happily married
by then. We'll be in school. Home will be Knoxville. What
is the problem, Mama?"

"It's a big change."

"No bigger than your going to Cutter Gap twenty years
ago. At least you'll still have indoor plumbing. Look on
the bright side, Mama." She giggled.

"We'll be a family of seven."

"Douglas and Andrew are older than us. They have their
own circle of friends. We'll get by, Mama. You worry too
much. We'll manage."

"When did you become so wise?"

"I've been watching you." They hugged each other.

David came bounding in with the mail. "What's this? Free
hugs?" He picked Christy up and twirled her around. "I
have a letter from Miss Henderson. I'm to meet her in
El Pano on July 5th. She wants to know if I can ride a
horse. It's a good thing you insisted the three of us take
riding lessons, Mama."

"That is because there are few roads, if any, to speak of
in Cataleechie. The best mode of transportation is either
by horse or just walking. Ben Pentland used to say by
shanks mare," said Christy. "I was going to tell Doctor
MacNeill that we would be free to go to Knoxville the
weekend of August 5th & 6th. That will give you a month
to settle in at Cataleechie. Do you want me to go with
you to meet Miss Alice?"

"Mama, I'm not a baby."

"I know that. I would not mind seeing her again. She holds
a special place in my heart, David."

"I know, Mother. But, I think that I would like to do
this on my own." She nodded and sighed. Her children
were growing independent, and even though she knew it was
important, she still felt wistful.

Later that afternoon, she wrote a note to Neil.

My dearest Neil,

Juliet overheard our conversation this afternoon. I
was chastised by her for referring to our children as
"children." She informed me that they were all old enough
to look after themselves. They are growing up and I do
not want to let them go. It seems like only yesterday that
they were learning to walk.

David will be leaving for El Pano on July 5th. He does
not want me to go with him. It's such a giant step for
him. He has really begun to give his choice of career a
lot of thought, for which I am grateful. He has met with
our pastor several times to talk with him.

We'll spend July 4th together. There's a parade, a picnic
and fireworks in the evening. There's enough going on to
keep my mind occupied.

The dates in August area clear for everyone, Neil. I am
looking forward to seeing you then. Could you please ask
Douglas to list some of the items we will need to purchase
before I send my three musketeers off to college? We have
a list from the registrar's office, but I am sure there
are other items needed that are not on the list.

Sally and her Mr. Cochrane are being married at
Thanksgiving. She wanted to make sure that the trio would
be home. Juliet is going to be her maid of honor. David
will give her away and William is going to be John's best
man. I will sit in the church pew and cry my eyes out. I
am good at doing that, Neil. I have had a lot of practice.

I hope and pray that you have a good week. I have promised
myself that I will begin my lesson plans for September. In
truth, I'd rather be working in my garden.

I miss you, my dearest Neil.

Lovingly,

Christy

Neil received the letter two days later. Mrs. Thompson
had noted the return address from Asheville. She smiled
to herself. Mrs. Grantland felt awkward calling the
doctor. She was a proper lady. Good women were not so
forward. A lady waited for a gentleman to call. Good for
her. Christy rose a few notches in Mrs. T's estimation.

Neil read the letter. "Douglas!" he bellowed.

His son came bounding down the steps from his room. "What's
up Pa?"

"What are your plans for July 4th?"

"I don't have any."

"Good. We're going to Asheville."

"Pa?"

"You heard me. Do you have a problem with this?"

"No."

"Good. Mrs. T, I'll need a picnic for eight on July
4th. Are you up to the challenge?"

"Of course."

"Do you want to come with us?"

"No. I'll need to rest if I am to outdo myself to impress
your lovely lady and her children." Neil laughed, and she
and Douglas joined in.

"Tommy," Douglas said, "you are the best."

"And don't you forget it, young man."

"I won't either." said Neil. "This is important to me."

"Do not worry, Doctor. I won't fail you."

"I know that. We'll have to leave around 7:00 in the
morning, Douglas. The parade is before noon."

"Doctor, you'll have to go to the ice house. You'll need
block ice to keep the food cool."

"Yes, Mrs. T."

"I'll get the ice, Pa."

"Doctor, is there anything that you would like me to make?"

"Yes, your wonderful fried chicken. Make enough for
an army."

She nodded. "I'll call ahead to the poultry farm. Dessert?"

"Pie."

"What kind?"

"It does not matter. We both love pie."

She nodded. "I'll take care of it."

"Drink?" she asked.

""Lemonade," said Douglas.

Neil agreed. "I have the perfect container for it. Give me
a minute." He went looking in the garage. Fifteen minutes
later he returned with a very large stoneware jug.

"Pa, what's that?"

"It's a jug that once held moonshine."

"Did Mr. Taylor make it?"

"No son. This was from my grandfather."

"Your grandfather made moonshine?"

"Most of the higlanders did back then."

"It's a very old jug, Doctor. Will it still hold liquid?"

"I don't know, Mrs. T. Let's wash it out and find out and
see. If it does, it will give Christy a start."

"Why, Pa?"

"Moonshine jugs are very distinctive, son. It will
certainly bring back memories for her."

"Good memories, Pa?"

"No, not really. But the lessons she learned from the
incidents gave her a greater understanding of my people
and of me." He smiled.

"Well, I have my work cut out for me," said
Mrs. Thompson. "At least you've given me a few days
notice, Doctor."

"I am going to clear my schedule now, Mrs. T. But first,
I have to make a telephone call."

"To Asheville?"

"Yes."

"To Mrs. Grantland?"

"No, to a fellow conspirator." He winked and walked into
his study, closed the door and dialed Asheville.

The telephone rang, and Sally answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, Sally. This is Doctor MacNeill."

"Hello, Doctor, I'll get Christy for you."

"No. Please, don't do that."

"Why? Is everything all right?"

"Yes, everything is fine. Please let me explain. I like
surprises. My son and I want to surprise Christy on the
Fourth of July. We're leaving Knoxville at 7:00 in the
morning. What time is the parade?"

"At 10:00, Doctor."

"Please call me Neil."

"All right sir."

"I'm not a sir, I'm simply Neil."

"You are more than that. Do you want to come to the house
before the parade?"

"What do you think, Sally? What is the best element of
surprise?"

"Do you want to see the parade?"

"Since we're not from Asheville, it's irrelevent. It
doesn't matter."

"All right, we'll meet in the park. This is where we'll
be. There is a bandstand and we usually sit near some
large chestnut trees to the right. If you place the steps
of the bandstand at six o'clock, we sit off around three
o'clock. Am I making any sense to you?"

"Yes, you are picturing the bandstand as a clockface."

"There are three very tall chestnut trees off to the
right. My Mr. Cochrane will be there, staking out our
space. He does not intend to go to the parade. You will
meet him there. His name is John."

"Sally, I'm bringing the picnic with me."

"Dr. MacNeill, I will have to pack food. If I do not, she
will be suspicious."

"I'm bringing fried chicken."

"Oh dear, that is what I planned to make."

"Have you discussed it with Christy?"

"No, not yet. I will plan on something different."

"Don't forget we have three young men with hollow legs,
if Christy's sons are anything like mine."

Sally laughed. "Point taken, Doctor. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you, Sally. I miss Christy so. Meeting her in
El Pano was a miracle. I thought that I had lost her
forever. I cannot explain what I felt when I saw her
laying at the foot of the stairs with her ridiculously high
heeled shoes. My heart exploded with fear and joy at the
same time. She was so flippant, and then she fainted. And
my heart took a nose dive. All of the wonderful feelings
I buried came rising up like a geyser. I love her so
much, Sally."

"And she loves you, Neil. You have always been the beacon,
the shining light, the unattainable star. She has loved
you forever, but could never tell you because your wife
returned. Her heart broke when the Reverend Grantland
announced his new position in Boston. She had hoped she
could stay in Cutter Gap and thus maintain a connection to
you. But David would have none of it. He was jealous of
you and of your influence on her. Because you were still
married to Margaret, you were lost to Christy. Her heart
went into some sort of holding pattern. She cared about
David, loved him in her own way, but I don't think there
was any deep passion. She was too young and innocent to
understand passion. If you kindled it in her, she did
not recognize it for what it was. Her marriage to the
Reverend was bound by duty, compassion and comittment. She
realized soon enough that there was something lacking. He
did not, he was happy. He had married Christy. He won. Her
mother-in-law disliked her. She did not fawn over David
enough."

"Sally, I think that you are telling me more than I need
to know."

"Neil, I am telling you because I do not know if she
ever could."

"Whatever happened in El Pano did her a world of good. I
cannot wait to meet you, Neil. It gives me great joy to
see her so happy. I'll see you soon then. Goodbye."

Neil smiled when he put down the receiver. He couldn't
wait to see the surprise on her beautiful face.



End of Chapter Fifteen

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Sixteen

...........................................................

‘July 4th was going to be a beautiful day', thought Neil
optimistically. Which made him laugh because he prided
himself on being a pessimist. Mrs. Thompson got up at
four o'clock in the morning to fry the chicken and bake
the strawberry rhubarb pies.

"Mrs. T," Neil had said, "make them the day before."

She glared at him. "I do not serve leftovers to the company
I am trying to impress." Neil wanted to laugh, but knew
it would not be appreciated. He valued his life. Both he
and Douglas were awakened by the smells and the noise
coming from the kitchen. They came downstairs. She was
wielding the meat cleaver as she cut up the chickens. She
placed them in a bowl full of cold buttermilk. "Coffee is
made, Doctor."

"Bless you, Mrs. T. Is there anything we can do?"

"Cabbage needs to be sliced for the slaw. Can you do that?"

"When I was a lad I used to cut cabbage for my mother when
she made sauerkraut. I do not think I have lost my touch."

"What about me?" asked Douglas.

"You can slice the rhubarb and the strawberries. Don't
be eating the berries. Lad, I'll need all of them for
my pies."

"Pies?" asked Neil.

"Doctor you know that you must have enough in case people
want seconds. Douglas, my lamb, you can squeeze that
basket full of lemons when you are done cutting up the
fruit. Doctor, the jug held water overnight. The pottery
is not cracked."

Neil smiled. "That is good to know. Sally will be making
iced tea."

"And just who is Sally?" asked Mrs.T.

"She was the nanny for the triplets. She helped take care
of Christy's parents when they became ill. Christy said
she is being married at Thanksgiving."

Mrs. Thompson relaxed. Her job might not be in
jeopardy. Neil and Douglas set about their tasks, drinking
hot cups of coffee as they worked. Mrs. T began to fry
the chicken. She drained it from the buttermilk, dredged
it in seasoned flour, and fried it until it was golden
brown, batch after batch after batch. When Douglas was
done cutting up all the fruit, and juicing the lemons,
she made and baked the pies. When Neil was done slicing
the vegetables, she mixed the dressing and made the
coleslaw. Douglas had gotten the blocks of ice the day
before. The perishable food was packed on the ice. They
had both packed overnight bags. They knew that they would
be staying at least one night in Asheville.

Douglas decided to check out the car. There was an extra
spare tire, so he packed it. There was an extra length of
radiator hose. He packed it. He also made sure they packed
extra gallons of water and plenty of rags. He even threw in
some cans of oil, just to be on the safe side. He wasn't
necessarily prescient, but something niggled at his mind,
telling him to be cautious. Loaded to the gills, Neil and
Douglas set out for Asheville. The road they took sent
them past the train station. Andy was standing on the
curb, waiting for a taxi. Neil screeched the car to a halt.

"What are you doing here?"

"Surprise, Pa. We finished early. Where are you going?"

"To Asheville, to see Christy. Get in."

"This is a wonderful surprise, son."

"I smell chicken."

"It's for the picnic."

"Pa, I haven't had breakfast."

"Douglas, give him a scone."

"A scone? A currant scone?"

"Yes."

"Manna from heaven."

"Don't be blasphemous."

"I'm not, Pa. I am paying homage to manna from heaven. Oh
how I missed these. Do you have any more?"

"What a father sacrifices for his sons. Give him my other
scone, Douglas. If I faint from hunger along the way, one
of you will have to take over the driving."

Andrew laughed at his father. "Pa, you do beat all!"

"Don't forget it, son." All three laughed.

The road to Asheville was fraught with problems. One would
like to think that after they had the first flat tire fifty
miles into their trip, the rest of the journey would be
smooth. The boys changed the tire. Thirty miles later, the
car began to overheat as the radiator hose broke. They
were able to replace the hose and the water, but they
had to wait until things cooled down. Neil applauded his
son's foresight.

"We only have thirty-five miles to go, Pa. Pray. Please
pray."

Because of the parade, certain direct roads were
closed. With the help of a kindly policeman, the MacNeill's
reached the park by a very circuitous route and met a very
nervous John Cochrane by the chestnut trees.

"John Cochrane?" asked Neil.

"Doctor MacNeill?" Neil nodded. "I'm very pleased to
meet you."

"Please call me Neil, and the pleasure is all mine. These
are my two sons, Andrew and Douglas."

"How do you do." He shook their hands.

"Does Christy suspect anything?"

"I don't think so. Sally didn't tell the trio, so there
was less danger of something being said by mistake. They
should all be arriving in about fifteen minutes or so. Did
you have trouble along the way?"

"Yes. A flat tire and a broken water hose. We managed
the repairs."

"It's a good thing. Everything shuts down on July 4th."

"We'll need to fill the gas tank."

"Stations will be open tomorrow," said John. He had spread
the blankets on the ground. We're in the sun now, but in
about two hours, we'll be in some shade. Usually a nice
breeze kicks in and cools everyone. We're lucky to have
a nice day."

Neil and his sons were wearing lightweight summer
suits. The men were looking around as picnickers entered
the park to find their favorite spots.

"Most people try to be close to the bandstand. We've
found that the sound carries very clearly here. If you sit
too close to the band you can't hear yourself think, let
alone speak." The MacNeill's laughed. John was scanning
the crowd. "There they are, there are my girls. The boys
are lugging the food and drinks."

"How long have you known Sally?" asked Neil.

"I met her the weekend Christy brought the triplets
home. Julia has hired Sally just before she left for
Boston to bring Christy home, as the nanny. I was one of
William's junior law partners at the time. I found more
excuses to bother William at home. Many's the time I found
myself with a towel over my shoulder burping a baby. I
used to tease Christy and say any port in a storm would
do, whenever she handed me a baby. She'd laugh, and tell
me I was part of the family. I was a confirmed bachelor,
Neil. But there was something special about Sally. She
was intensely loyal to the Huddleston's, and to Christy
and the triplets. I was relieved when Sally accepted my
marriage proposal. Ah, look, here they come. Don't they
put all of the other ladies in Asheville to shame?"

Christy was talking to Sally, who was doing her best
to keep Christy's focus on the conversation. Juliet
spied the MacNeill's first, and stopped dead in her
tracks. Consequently, Christy walked right into her
daughter and fell. Juliet turned, and said, "Mother!"

"Deja vu," said Neil, and he quickly reached her
side. He picked her up before she had a chance to recover
herself. People around them were curious. Who was this
stranger who has picked up Mrs. Grantland?" Sally and the
boys followed Neil and Juliet. She was overjoyed to see
Douglas again, and gave him a great big hug.

Christy stared up at Neil. She just looked at him as though
he were a mirage. She touched his cheek. "How.......?"

"Are you all right, Christy? Did you hurt yourself?" She
looked down. Her stockings were intact, there were no
holes at her knees. Neil followed her line of sight. "I
told you that you had beautiful legs," he whispered. She
blushed, and pushed at his chest. Her sons watched the
interplay. He had picked up their mother like she was a
feather, yet he held her protectively.

"I must have landed on the blanket I was holding. She
looked confused.

"Surprised to see me?"

"Yes." He carefully placed her on the blanket, and checked
her to make sure she wasn't hurt.

William and David eyed Douglas and Andrew. Juliet turned
and introduced them to each other, while Neil hovered over
Christy. The boys watched their mother in awe. They had
never seen her before, like this.

Suddenly, she impulsively put her arms around Neil and
hugged him. He could feel tears on her cheeks. Without a
care in the world, he kissed her, and she returned this
kiss just as fervently, until she remembered that they
were in a public park. He could feel the heat of her blush.

"Christy," he whispered, "I love you."

"I love you, Neil." She touched his cheek, and pushed
aside his curly locks. "Come meet my sons."

"I'd be happy to Christy. Andrew is with us. He came home
early." He assisted her up.

She looked up at them. "William, David I would like you to
meet Dr. Neil MacNeill, and his sons, Douglas and Andrew,
I presume?" Andrew nodded, smiling. Hands were shaken as
hello's were exchanged. Christy hugged Douglas, and then
impulsively hugged Andrew as well. She introduced them
all to Sally. She shook her finger at her dearest friend,
realizing that Sally knew all about the surprise. They all
settled down on the various blankets, and began talking
to each other.

"Still wearing ridiculously high heeled shoes, I see,"
teased Neil.

"They are called espadrilles, and they are not high
enough. My children tower over me, in case you haven't
noticed. I am short."

"I never knew that," he said laughing. "When did you
become short?"

"Neil," she said with a warning tone in her voice.

"In truth, Lass, I never noticed. I always thought you
were, hmmm, I know the word........it's on the tip of my
tongue...........I remember now....ahhh, perfectly petite."

"You came all the way to Asheville to make fun of me and
laugh at my stature?" She arched her eyebrow at him.

"Do you see a smile on my face?"

"Your eyes are crinkling."

"They're not crinkles, they are crow's feet, Lass. Getting
back to stature, Christy, you always stood proud and tall
when you faced your students and the troublemakers."

"My knees were quaking."

"No one could tell. No one could see your knees. And they
are quite beautiful, Lass."

"Neil, " she pushed at his upper arm. It was still solid
as a rock.

"Your mother turned Cutter Gap upside down on it's ear,"
said Neil.

"I did not."

"She was a tiny spitfire to be sure."

"Tiny?"

"Excuse me, I meant petite. She managed to rile and bedevil
our most infamous moonshiner, Bird's-Eye Taylor. Cutter
Gap had never seen the likes of this petite, blue-eyed
whirling dervish before."

"Neil, you have used the word ‘petite' at least three
times in less than three minutes."

"Ever the schoolmarm, my lovely, petite, Christy."

She folded her arms and glared at him.

He looked at her children. "How many times have
you been the recipients of her icy blue stare? Me,
well.........there aren't enough trout in the Creek
to count."

His boys laughed.

Sally and John observed the loving banter and both approved
of Neil on first sight. They also noticed the number of
picnickers who were sitting a little closer this year to
them, to observe the three strangers with the Grantland's.

"When did you first meet Mother?"asked William.

"You can tell he hasn't read Mama's journals,
Dr. MacNeill," said Juliet. William glared at his sister.

"William, have you ever gone hiking?"

"Yes sir. I am very active in the Boy Scouts."

"You've hiked in the mountains?"

"Yes sir."

"I met your mother the first day she arrived in Cutter
Gap. She was dressed in a long skirt, a blue cape, and a
straw hat with a ribbon above its brim. She had on boots
of some sort, not meant for hiking. She had walked six
miles through the mountains, no trail to speak of, with
the postman Ben Pentland, because no one had showed up to
meet her at the train station. The man who was supposed
to meet her had been injured when a tree fell on him. He
had a very serious head wound. His brother-in-law found
him while hunting, and they carried him to the closest
cabin, that of his sister, Fairlight Spencer. I am sure
you've heard your mother speak of her. Word got to me,
and I rode over to the Spencer's. Your mother was bending
over Bob Allen, trying to blot the blood of his head wound
with her handkerchief. I will never forget the sight. It is
indelibly marked in my memory forever. I fell in love with
your mother. She was so young and innocent, and courageous
and frightened by the unknown. The pureness and goodness of
her heart, to help someone in dire need affected me more
than I could ever say. Her beautiful blue eyes pierced
the very depths of my soul. Before she came, I had come
to believe that I had no soul. Of course, I could never
admit to her what she had done to me. I fought it, like a
trout caught on a hook. Sometimes the trout gets away. I
was hooked forever."



End of Chapter Sixteen

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Seventeen

...........................................................

William smiled. "Mother married my father."

"Yes, she did. I was not free to marry her. I was
already married. To be fair, I believed that my wife had
drowned. Instead, she had run away, and came back ill with
tuberculosis. I could never tell your mother how I loved
her. She accepted your father's proposal of marriage. I
took my wife to Baltimore for treatment. She went into
a remission, but died when Douglas was born from the
ravaging effects of the disease. Your parents moved to
Boston. We had lost touch, until this past June, when we
all met in El Pano. My wife was Alice Henderson's daughter,
Margaret. Things have a way of coming full circle."

"Miss Alice said God had a hand in directing our reunion,"
said Juliet.

"Perhaps He did," said Andrew. "I do not mean to change
the subject, but all I've eaten in the past twelve hours
are the scones I snitched from my father. Tommy didn't
know I was coming home today. I am really starving. Can
we please eat lunch?"

"Who's Tommy?" asked Juliet.

"Our housekeeper, nanny and cook, Mrs. Thompson," said
Andrew.

"Our veritable battle axe," said Neil. "Very protective
of her lambs, is she."

"Pa," said Douglas and Andrew together. They were
embarrassed by their father's disclosure.

"That's quite all right," said Sally. "I called the three
my bunnykins."

"Sally!" said Juliet.

Christy laughed. "Lambs and bunnykins!"

Neil snorted. "Secret weapons, Lass."

"Pa!"

"Mama!"

Everyone laughed.

"Let's eat," said John.

"I agree," said Andrew. "Before I faint, please." Picnic
hampers were opened and the feast was revealed. Christy
was astonished at the amount of food. In addition to all
of the food Mrs. Thompson had prepared, Sally had made a
variety of sandwiches, a salad of cucumbers and onions,
potato salad, bread and butter pickles and pickled green
tomatoes. She baked brownies, and had fresh strawberries,
much to Neil's delight.

He uncovered the jug of lemonade. Christy stared at
it. "Relax, Lass, it is only lemonade."

"I didn't think you would hazard to bring alcohol into a
public park, Neil."

"There's also iced tea with mint and lemon," said Sally.

"That's a tough choice," said Andrew.

"Enjoy the cold beverages while you can, David," said
Neil. "I do not believe there is electricity yet at the
Mission in Cataleechie. You only have ice in the winter."

Christy watched in amazement as the four young men
piled their plates high with food. Everyone seemed to be
comfortable, and Christy was relieved. She sipped a glass
of lemonade and nibbled on a chicken wing. "The chicken
is delicious, Neil."

"What is her recipe, Neil?" asked Sally. "Everyone has a
different idea on how to make southern fried chicken."

"I know that she soaks it in buttermilk. I'm not sure if
she puts anything into the flour. She cooks the chicken
in hot lard."

Sally nodded. "That is similar to my recipe."

Andrew asked," What's for dessert?"

Sally answered, " Brownies and fresh strawberries. I also
brought some sugar cookies."

"Strawberry rhubarb pie," said Douglas. "Tommy made
two, Andy."

"I could die a happy man," said Andrew.

"Finish school first," said Neil. "And save some pie for
the rest of us."

Christy was happy to see the loving relationship between
Neil and his sons. It reminded her of the strong bonds she
had with her three. It gave her hope that they would be
able to have a strong, loving relationship together. Andrew
took after Margaret. His eyes were hazel green, they seemed
to change color as the light varied. His hair was dark and
curly. Douglas was his father's son. Tall, blue eyed with
hair as unruly as Neil's. She could understand why Juliet
was attracted to him.

As Sally put away the food, Christy and Juliet began to
put away the dirty dishes and cutlery. Everyone decided
to wait and have dessert later. Andrew sneaked a cookie,
much to Sally and John's amusement.

"Christy, do you realize a few people have been waiting
for us to finish our lunch, so that they can come by to
say hello?" asked Sally.

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

"Of course you haven't noticed, dear, you're been too
preoccupied." She laughed.

"So now we get to meet the occupants of Asheville?" queried
Neil.

"In all their curious glory, Neil," said John. "Some
of Juliet's friends are chafing at the bit to meet your
boys, Neil."

"Does this mean I miss my nap?" asked Neil.

"Are you tired Neil?" asked Christy.

"A little. With the warm sun and a full stomach, I
could stretch out and fall asleep like a cat in a pool
of sunlight."

"Do you purr?" asked Christy without thinking.

"Only if you stroke me," said Neil, with a twinkle in his
eyes. Christy blushed crimson.

Sally laughed. "You are a devil." John just hooted.

The four turned to look at their parents. "What's so
funny?" asked William.

John said, "You don't want to know."

Christy bent her head to her chest. "Why do I always manage
to feed you the lines, Neil?"

He put his arm around her and kissed her temple. "It's
one of your more endearing qualities, my love."

The first to drop by was their minister and his
wife. Christy introduced Neil and Doctor Neil McNeill. She
wanted them to know he was an important man. Reverend Ford
wanted to wish David well in Cataleechie.

"Have you known Mrs. Grantland very long,
Dr. McNeill?" asked Mrs. Ford.

"Over twenty years."

"That long?"

"Yes."

"Where is your practice?"

"In Knoxville."

"It's a lovely city."

"I agree." He smiled. The silence was awkward.

"Well, I must move on. My husband has many people
to see this afternoon. It was very nice meeting you,
Dr. McNeill. Christy, I will see you Sunday morning. Sally,
John, have a pleasant afternoon." She nodded and moved
toward her husband.

Christy smiled. "Extracting information from you is like
pulling teeth."

Neil smiled obliquely. "I can be reticent when I need to
be, sweetheart."

"Now she'll send her reinforcements."

"Who do you mean?"

"The Ladies Circle from church. They'll wend their way by
us all afternoon, trying to find out who you are."

"I'm ready for the barrage."

"I'm not."

"Be a good sport, Christy."

"My personal life is none of their business. Neil, I resent
their intrusion."

"So I take it, you don't wish to share me with them."

"Absolutely, positively not."

"A wee bit cranky are we?"

"I am when I cannot devote my time to you," she said
solemnly.

"Shall we go for a stroll, then?"

"We could, Neil. There's a lovely lake, and some creeks."

He stood up and helped her to stand. "I'm taking a walk
with your mother. Just in time too, the band is tuning up."

"Neil, you are incorrigible."

"Yet you still love me, Lass."

"How could I not love you, Neil?"

They headed for a path away from the bandstand. They walked
arm in arm. "Christy, when do you want to get married?"

"Neil, I haven't been thinking of a date per se."

"Why not?"

"It's only been a few weeks. I can barely believe that
you are back in my life. Besides, I'm just getting used
to the idea that Sally is getting married. Did you have
a date in mind?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"Christmastide."

"Christmas?"

"Why not. It's a wonderful time of year. The children will
be home from school."

"It's less than six months away."

"What does that have to do with it?"

"Neil, we're talking about a wedding. It takes a lot
of planning."

"Christy, you had all of the hoopla the first time around."

"Neil, I take weddings very seriously."

"As do I. What's the problem? We arrange the ceremony. Our
family attends. We all have dinner together, and we go
away for a few days."

"That's how you see it?"

"Yes, in a nutshell."

"You're serious."

"Yes. Absolutely serious."

"Neil, I don't know what to say."

"Just say yes, my darling, and make my life simple, and
make me a happy man."

"Simple?"

"Christy, you sound as though you are working yourself
into a tizzy."

"A tizzy! You've taken a serious, life changing decision
and broken it down into four steps."

"A simplified approach, don't you think?"

"Neil, I don't know what to think."

"Well then, tonight, we'll ask the family."

"Don't you think you're rushing things a little?"

"What rush? It's five and a half months away. But if you
want to rush, I'll clear my calendar for next week."

She turned to him abruptly and stared at him. "You're such
a tease, Neil McNeill."

"Who mentioned teasing? I want to marry you. The sooner,
the better. It is that simple."

"Neil, please be serious."

"Christy, I am deadly serious. I have been alone for twenty
years, thinking that I missed out on the greatest gift
of all, being able to love you and be loved by you. It
was a bitter pill for me to swallow. I had wandered into
the hospital chapel. I thought I was alone, and I began a
dialogue with God. I wasn't alone, God was there, and so
was a minister. After I finished my list of complaints, he
talked to me and it was an enlightening experience, and
epiphany if you will. When Margaret's health improved, I
did my best, Christy, I tried to make her happy. But I do
not think that Margaret could ever really be happy. She
loved Andrew, and she fought like a tigress to live long
enough to give birth to Douglas. But neither she nor I had
ever really, truly loved each other. Physical passion and
desire are certainly components of a marriage, but there
has to be something more, something deeper. Faith, trust,
and devotion, some kind of higher standard comes in to
play. Seeing you in El Pano, lying at the foot of the
stairs; it's a wonder I didn't have a heart attack. To
learn that you were a widow almost as long as I was a
widower was a cruel irony. I want to marry you. I want
to be part of your life. Your children are a bonus. I've
always wanted a daughter. If we marry, I'll get my wish
with Juliet, and I will love her and protect her as if
she were my blood. What more can I say, Lass. What do
you want of me? I've laid out my heart before you. I
am defenseless."

"Oh Neil, I want. I want you. I love you. I want the
passion, Neil. Does that make me wanton?"

"No love it makes you human, just like me. Christy, I want
to stand before your family, in a church, in the sight of
God, before a minister and declare my love for you. It's
that basic, my love. It is that simple."

Christy looked up at him. Her eyes filled with tears. Why
was she putting barriers in the way? "Neil, I don't deserve
such happiness."

"You are wrong, Christy."

"Neil I married David, but my heart belonged to you. I
should be punished."

"Christy, look at me. We have both been alone and lonely
for a very long time. Out of the blue, we meet again in
El Pano. I have to agree with Alice. God had a hand in
our reunion. Lass, we've paid our dues. Let's not waste
any more time. Marry me at Christmas."

She looked at this wonderful, complex man. It would
not be easy for them. They were both strong willed and
independent. Now that they had been reunited, she could not
bear to be parted from him for any length of time. "Yes,
Neil. I will marry you at Christmastide."

The look on his face was priceless. He swept her into his
arms and kissed her. She felt limp with passion. "Neil,"
she whispered, "what are you doing to me?"

"I am giving you a taste of the future."

"My knees are wobbly."

"You have beautiful knees, Lass."

"Neil!"

"Soon you'll be mine, forever and always."

"Forever and always. I like the sound of that," she
said. "I love you.



End of Chapter Seventeen

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Eighteen

...........................................................

Neil reached into an inside pocket and took out a small
box. "May I?"  he asked. "I carried it on the off chance
we could have this conversation.  He opened the box.

"Oh Neil, it is beautiful." It was a blue sapphire ring,
surrounded by fire opals.

"It reminds me of your eyes."

"My eyes?"

"Yes. Clear blue, but how they can crackle with fire when
you are angry or indignant."

"Do you expect that to happen after we are married?"

"I expect it will happen even before we are married."

"That doesn't upset you?"

"No, I look forward to sparring with you, my love. It's
what makes our relationship so interesting. You are not
passive or complacent. You've got spirit and a fire in
you that I have always loved and admired." They kissed
again. It seemed as though more people were going for a
walk. "We'd better head back, Lass." She nodded and they
returned to their picnic.

Juliet kept watching for them to come back. She spotted
them. They were holding hands. Christy was smiling. Neil
wasn't sure if his feet were touching the ground. "Sally,
Mama said yes."

"How can you tell?"

"Look at her face."Sally turned. At that moment, Christy
touched her hair.  Sally saw the ring. "Better yet, Juliet,
look at her ring."

She squealed in delight.

William asked," What's the matter with you?"

"Nothing. Dr. MacNeill proposed to Mama. She said yes."

"How can you know that?" asked David.

"Just look at how happy she is."

Andrew looked at Douglas. "Did you know this was going
to happen?"

"I had my suspicions. I didn't expect it to happen so
fast. It's not like Pa to make rash decisions."

"What do you mean by rash? Do you think he shouldn't have
asked my mother to marry him?" demanded Juliet.

"No Juliet, that is not what I meant. I meant quick. My
father always deliberates for a long time. But you saw what
happened in El Pano. We both saw our parents in a totally
different light. It was if they had stepped back in time
twenty years. It was a bit unnerving, actually, when you
think about it." Neil and Christy were approaching their
location. "I mean, just look at them."

"Are we ready for this?" asked Andrew.

"It's not your decision," said John.

"What do you mean?"

"It is not your decision. Your father and Christy have the
right to choose what they want for their future. The four
of you will be setting out or have already set out on your
journeys. You have chosen the path you wish to take."

Neil and Christy came and sat down. "Well, we have some
news," said Christy.

"When is the wedding?" asked Juliet.

Christy was crestfallen. "How did you know?"

"The two of you are positively beaming at each other,"
said Sally.  ‘We're not blind. Your love for one another
is obvious. Answer the question," she said laughing at
her friend. "When?"

"Christmas."

"That's less than six months away," said Juliet.

"Your mother had the exact same reaction," mused Neil.

Juliet looked at her mother with an incredulous look
on her face.  "Mama, did you agree to this?" Christy
nodded. "I do not understand. It takes a long time to
prepare for a wedding."

Sally intervened. "Juliet, like John and I, your mother
wants a simple ceremony. Your Uncle George, Aunt Melanie
and your cousins will attend.  It is going to be a small,
intimate ceremony, like mine.

Christy nodded in agreement. "You will be home from
school. We will be married in church, we'll all have dinner
together. We'll get a cake from the bakery and we'll have
a family party. Juliet, a second marriage is different. It
will be more subdued. Believe me. I had the fanfare when I
married your father. My mother brought half of Asheville to
Cutter Gap.  It will all work out, sweetheart. I promise."

"Who will walk you down the aisle, Mama?" asked William.

"That isn't necessary, Will."

"Then David and I will," he said. "No arguments."

"I will be your maid of honor, Mama," said Juliet.

"We'll both be your best man, Pa," said Andrew.

"We have the greatest children in the world, Lass," said
Neil, as she started to cry.

"Indeed we do, Neil."

"There are going to be a lot of changes in our lives,"
said Christy.  "There will have to be necessary
adjustments. We're all going to need a little extra
patience. But that is a discussion for another day. Have
you all had dessert yet?"

"We waited for you," said John.

"Well let's not stand on ceremony," said Neil. "The
pies and brownies are calling to me, not to mention
the strawberries. He winked at Christy.  The desserts
were removed from the picnic hampers. Neil spied the
strawberries and fed one to Christy. Both immediately
recalled their romantic outing by the cascade. She fed
him a strawberry. They were totally engrossed in their
own private world.

Until Juliet groaned, "Here comes Mrs. Jackson to pay her
respects to the Widow Grantland, the nosy, old biddy."

"Hush, Juliet," said Christy. Neil helped Christy as she
stood up to meet the gossiping old woman, who had been a
thorn in her side for many years.  All of the men stood up.

"Good evening, Mrs. Jackson."

"Good evening, Mrs. Grantland. You have company, I see."

"Please allow me to introduce you to Dr. Neil MacNeill,
and his sons, Andrew and Douglas." Polite words were
exchanged. "I believe you know Mr.  Cochrane."

"Yes. Does business bring you to Asheville, Dr. MacNeill?"

"No."

"Have you recently met Mrs. Grantland?"

"In a manner of speaking."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It is my business, Mrs. Jackson. You need not concern
yourself with it."

"Are you well, Mrs. Grantland?"

"I'm finer that frogs hair."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm fine."

"Mrs. Jackson, would you like me to escort you back to
your family?  It's getting dark now, and I would hate to
see you fall," said William.

"But..."

"It was very nice meeting you," said Neil. Have a care
on your way back. As a doctor, I can honestly state that
for a person of your years, a fall can have devastating
effects. You do not want to break a leg, or worse yet,
your hip. So please be very careful as you navigate your
way back to your family."

As Millicent Jackson walked away from the Grantlands and
the MacNeills, holding on to young William's arm, she
realized the full impact of what this Dr. McNeill had
said. "A person of your years." He inferred that she was
old. "William," she asked, "how did your mother become
acquainted with Dr.  MacNeill?"

Since some young men do not understand the ways of wily,
gossiping old women, he answered innocently, "Dr. MacNeill
and Mother met when she taught school in Tennessee."

"What happened?"

"His wife was sick with tuberculosis. They moved
to Baltimore. Mama married my father and went to
Boston. Mama came back to Asheville with us after Father
died. Dr. MacNeill's wife died after giving birth to
Douglas.  They moved to Knoxville a few years ago. Mother
met Dr. McNeill in June."

"Less than a month ago?"

"Yes."

"I saw a beautiful ring on her finger."

"Dr. MacNeill asked Mother to marry him."

"Really? Just after a few weeks?"

"It dawned on William that he had been expertly cross
examined and had let the proverbial cat out of the
bag. "But they've known each other for twenty years." They
had reached her family. William bid her goodnight, and
hurried back, aware that he had made a very huge faux pas.

"William, you look upset," said Neil.

"That woman would put the Spanish Inquisition to shame. She
noticed your ring, Mama."

"She probably noticed I have a spot of strawberry juice
on my blouse.  What else is new?"

"I told her Dr. MacNeill had proposed to you. Let's add
more fuel to the fire."

"Do not lose sleep, William. By the time the fireworks are
over, everyone will know that I am engaged to Neil. Look
on the bright side, we won't have to publish it in the
newspaper." Sally and John laughed. "Stopping Millicent
Jackson from gossiping is like shoveling sand against
the tide."

As Neil held Christy, the fireworks began. Nestled against
him, she relaxed.  She realized that she would be the
one making the most sacrifice. He kissed her temple. She
snuggled close to him. She would have to give up teaching.
Chances were very strong that she would not find a teaching
job in Knoxville. Times were difficult. The Depression
affected everyone in many ways. She would close up the
house in Asheville. According to her will, the triplets
would get the house. George lived in Grandmother Rudd's
house.  George had bought her share of the house. She
could live comfortably.  Neil had assured her that he could
support her. Trust funds from her parents and grandmother
insured her children's higher education. Neil did not
have to support her children, although he would have
in a heartbeat. He was that generous, because he loved
her. It was that simple. He loved her and she quite simply,
adored him. He had always been her rock while she lived
in Cutter Gap. She went to him for advice. They didn't
always agree how to handle a situation, but she always
trusted him. Trust was the key.

She would write her letter of resignation so that
the school district would have enough time to find a
new teacher. She did not want to leave a class halfway
through the school year. She had been forced to do that
when she had left Cutter Gap with David. It had been a
heart wrenching experience for all concerned.

It would take her the rest of the time to close up the
house. She would have to talk to Neil about bringing some
of her furniture with her to Knoxville.  There were a few
pieces to which she was emotionally attached.

When the fireworks were over, Christy went with Neil,
to help him navigate to her home. Andrew and Douglas
drove home with the triplets. This provided them all
with a chance to talk. The group returned home. Knowing
Neil was coming, Sally had prepared the guest rooms. The
picnic hampers were emptied.  Food was refrigerated and
the women did the dishes. The menfolk congregated in the
parlor enjoying lively discussions about sports, politics
and world affairs. The women talked about weddings.

End of Chapter Eighteen

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Nineteen

...........................................................

"Mother, what will you wear for your wedding?" asked
Juliet.

"A suit."

"Why?"

"It is practical, Juliet. You can choose a new dress, if
you want. The boys will wear the suits we bought for their
graduation. Neil and I will be married in the morning,
and we will all go to the hotel for a luncheon."

"Are you getting married before or after Christmas?"

"We haven't really discussed a date, but a part of me wants
to get married before Christmas so that we can spend the
holiday together as a family."

"Where will we have Christmas, Mother?"

"Here, I think. Again, I have to discuss the matter
with Neil."

"You sound unsure."

"Well, I have to ask his opinion. I cannot make all these
decisions on my own."

"You were right about making adjustments, Mama."

"It is a little bit scary."

"Are you getting nervous, Sally?" asked Juliet.

"No. Yes. Maybe a little, I suppose. I have made a very
important decision to marry John, and it has a lot of
repercussions on my life."

"I feel that way about my decision to marry Neil. I will
be leaving all that is familiar to me, once again. Even
though I have done this before, it is still unnerving."

"Do either one of you regret your decisions to marry?"

"No," said Sally.

"Not at all," said Christy.

"Well then, we will have to start planning very soon,"
said Juliet, smiling at them.

They rejoined the gentlemen in the parlor. John stood up
and bid them all goodnight. Andrew expressed his interest
in retiring for the night, as did Douglas. Juliet showed
them to their rooms.

Christy took Neil by the hand and led him out into the rose
garden. Light from the windows illuminated their way. They
sat down on a bench. "This is my favorite place, Neil."

"It is a beautiful garden, Christy."

"My mother took great pride in it, Neil."

"As do you, Lass."

"I shall miss it very much. You cannot see it now, but
there is a great big oak tree that has a swing on it. I
would swing for what seemed like hours, while Mother tended
her roses."

"Christy, we can plant a rose garden in Knoxville. I know
it will not be the same, but I think that it will help us
create some happy memories as well."

He put his arm around her. "Are you chilly, Lass?"

"No, it is a soft night, Neil. I just do not want it to
end yet, and I know that it has been a long day for you."

"Aye, I am not the one for burning the midnight oil
anymore. I suppose I did that for too many years." He
kissed her and held her close.

"I love you, Neil."

"Christy, I am the happiest man on earth, and I will
be even happier, if that is possible, when we are
married." She snuggled against him and sighed. "Tired,
sweet Lass?"

"I suppose I am, a little."

He stood up, and took her by the hand. "Let's say goodnight
then, and enjoy our sweet dreams. They reentered the house
and she showed him his room. "Goodnight, Christy." He held
her in a loving embrace and kissed her.

"Goodnight, Neil," she whispered. "Sweet dreams."

They spent the next day in Asheville. Christy took them
about the city. Shopping, bookstores, lunch in a quaint
restaurant. When they returned to the house, there was a
message for Neil. He looked up after reading it and said,
" I must leave for Knoxville in the morning, Christy."

She nodded and said, "Of course."

"You know Lass, guests are like fish. After two days they
begin to smell." She laughed and disagreed. "That's not
true, Neil."

"Well, it's true of fish," said Andrew. "I accidentally
left a fish in my creel. Mrs. Thompson had to fumigate
the porch and Pa burned the creel." Everyone laughed.

Sally had made dinner, which was noisy and filled with
reminiscence of childhood memories. Afterwards, Christy
and Neil once again walked alone in the rose garden. In
the twilight of evening, she reminded him that they had
a lot of decisions to make.

"Yes of course we do. You are coming to Knoxville in
August, are you not?"

"Yes."

"Well, we'll talk then. I promise. Your musketeers are
coming, aren't they?"

"Yes, as far as I know nothing has changed."

"It will all work out, Lass."

Christy looked up at Neil and realized he truly believed
what he was saying. She chuckled to herself, but also
realized she would have a very difficult road ahead of
her. Neil's life was organized and ran like well oiled
machinery because he surrounded himself with efficient
and loyal people who kept him on course. Miss Alice,
Mrs. Thompson, and probably a head nurse at the hospital,
for example. Was her entry back into his life going to be
like a stone thrown into a quiet pond, with a rippling
effect throughout his life, or was she just going to be
another cog in the machinery?"

"You've become pensive, Christy."

"How can you tell? It's too dark to see my face."

"It's your body language, Lass. You've tensed up. Besides,
there is enough light to see your face. I have always had
good night vision."

"I'll not be an easy fit into your life, Neil."

"Let me be the judge of that."

"I will not be dictated to, Neil."

"I understand. I remember that you were independent twenty
years ago. I admired that quality in you."

"Seriously, we have a number of decisions to make."

"And we will make them one at a time,
Christy. Together." He felt her relax. He kissed her. The
sweet scent of roses filled the air. "You know Christy,
every time I smelled a rose these past twenty years, you
haunted me. The scent became synonymous with you. If
someone were to give me a word test and said ‘rose' I
know that I would answer ‘Christy.' It's funny how we make
these automatic associations."

"You are right, Neil. If I hear the word opossum, I
think of Ruby Mae. When I see a quilt, I always think of
Fairlight, not to mention Jeb and honey."

"And moonshine?"

"We do not discuss moonshine in our Ladies Sewing
Circle. But of course, I would think of Bird's-Eye. It is
amazing how two years could have such a profound influence
on my life. Not a day goes by that I think of Cutter Gap
in some way, Neil. It was a turning point in my life."

"Ultimately leading you back to me."

"It would seem that way."

"Oh Christy, life is so intricate and complex."

"I agree."

"A few days before or after in June, and we would have
missed each other."

"So we are here together at last."

"For now at least. We'll have to leave at first light."

"I know," she said.

The following morning, as she watched the automobile pull
away, Christy felt the deepest ache in her heart. Sally
gave her a hug, and said, "August will be here before
you know it." Christy nodded, as tears fell down her
cheeks. They turned together and walked back into the
house.

End of Chapter Nineteen.

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Twenty

...........................................................

"Sit and have a cup of tea with me, " said Sally. "Let me
tell you about all about yesterday."

"Yesterday? We spent the day in Asheville with Neil and
the children."

"You spent the day there. I stayed here and answered the
telephone all day long."

"Who called?"

"Everyone you could possibly imagine," Sally said
laughing. Every nosy busybody in the book. You were
right. You do not have to put an announcement in the
newspaper."

Christy laughed. "That bad?"

"Oh yes. I expect it will ring off the hook today as
well. Christy, I see a sadness in your eyes."

"Sally, Neil just left."

"There is more to it than that."

"I am leaving all that is familiar to me behind."

"Yes you are."

"Neil does not realize the full impact that the move will
have on me."

"I agree with you."

"What will I do in Knoxville, Sally?"

"Establish your home there."

"It is run by and I quote--'a veritable battle axe.' Neil
called her that."

"You have a difficult road ahead, Christy. There is no
doubt about that. Are you up for the challenge?"

"He is worth the challenge. Nonetheless, I have very
real concerns."

"You must voice those concerns to him."

"I know that, Sally."

"I hear a hesitation in your voice."

"He believes that everything will work out."

"Of course he believes that. He wants his way."

"He is willing it to be so."

"Just like a man."

"I wish that you and John would move to Knoxville."

"You never know what the future holds, Christy. Who would
have thought that by cleaning your attic, you would be
engaged to the man who captured your heart twenty years
ago."

"To think that I almost chose not to go with Juliet."

"Well I'll agree with your Miss Alice," Sally said. "I
believe that God had a hand in your reunion. So stop
fretting. Let's go shopping. We will not get anything
accomplished because we will be stopped by everyone. They
will want to hear the entire romantic story."

"Sally!"

"Come on Christy. Let's live a little. It's about time
Asheville had some excitement."

Christy laughed with Sally. "Oh all right."

"Just remember, when we go out to lunch, order something
cold."

"Why?"

"Because we will have so many interruptions. If you order
something hot, it will go cold before you get to finish
the entree."

They laughed together, and soon discovered everything
Sally had predicted came true. Their shopping was a
success. Christy was very pleased. She had found a suit for
the wedding. It was pink and navy blue and it fit her like
a glove. It was perfect, and needed no alterations. The
store would deliver all of her packages to her house in
two days.



Later in the day Neil called. "I miss you, love. We arrived
safely in Knoxville. No mishaps along the way."

"I am glad for that, Neil. Was there an emergency?"

"Yes and no."

"What do you mean, Neil?"

"Any doctor could have delt with the injury, but because
it was near the eye, they wanted my opinion."

"Well, Neil darling, you are the expert."

"I suppose so, Christy. Everything will be fine. There
will be no permanent damage."

"Well all of Asheville knows that I am engaged to be
married, Neil. The telephone has been ringing for the past
two days. I never realized that I knew so many people!"

Neil laughed. "I wondered why I could not get through
to you. The operator kept telling me that the line was
busy. You are precious, my love."

"Neil, I've written my letter of resignation, that I will
not be teaching in September."

"Lass...."

"It is all right, Neil. It was something that had to
be done."

"Christy, you may find a teaching position here. Send
your resume and letters of recommendation to the Knoxville
School Board."

"I will Neil, but let us face reality. Like Uncle Bogg
used to say, my chances are slim and none, and slim just
left town. Signs of the times, Neil."

"Christy........"

"Neil, God is guiding us. I will find worthwhile work
in Knoxville. He has a plan for us, darling. Otherwise
we would never have connected in El Pano, of this I am
absolutely sure."

"I agree, Lass."

"How are Andrew and Douglas?"

"Just fine. They enjoyed the trip to Asheville, and are
looking forward to playing town guides in Knoxville."

"And Mrs. Thompson?"

"She was thrilled to hear that she had no leftovers."

"She's a wonderful cook."

"She's been very good to us."

"So her kitchen is off limits to interlopers."

"Christy, you'll be my wife, not an interloper."

"My question still stands, Neil. You have an established
household. When we marry, I refuse to be treated as a
permanent guest."

"I hear the hint of challenge in your voice."

"I suppose you do, Neil."

"It will all work out, Lass."

"So you say," she said sighing. She felt differently. She
knew that it would be a bumpy road ahead.

"I'll say goodbye, Christy. I love you. Everything will
be fine, I promise."

"I love you too, Neil. Goodbye, my dearest. I'll have
faith that you are right."

She hung up the telephone and sighed.

The weeks flew by and the Knoxville weekend had finally
come. The Grantland's arrived Friday afternoon. Neil
was sitting on the front porch smoking his pipe, waiting
impatiently for the automobile to pull up in front of the
house. He climbed down the stairs with the same spring to
his step as he had when he left the schoolhouse. Christy
smiled at the memory. Andrew and Douglas came out on to
the porch. William opened her door and helped his mother
climb out of the car. Neil shook William's hand and then
embraced Christy.

"I thought this day would never get here, Christy. Welcome
to Knoxville."

"Thank you, Neil. We are very happy to be here."

Andrew and Douglas shook hands with William. They both
hugged Juliet, and then Christy. Neil quickly reclaimed
her, as they walked to the porch. The boys brought in
the luggage. Mrs. Thompson was waiting for them in the
hall. Her first impression was how tiny Christy was. She
looked at the good doctor and saw an _expression of
happiness on his face that he had never seen before.

"Mrs. Thompson, may I present Christy Grantland and her
children Juliet and William. David will be arriving with
Alice a wee bit later."

"How do you do?" Greetings were exchanged. "Ladies let me
show you to your rooms, so you can refresh yourselves. I'll
be serving lemonade on the porch when you are ready."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thompson," said Christy.

"You are welcome, Ma'am."

‘Oh dear.' thought Christy. ‘She will be my toughest
battle.'

Andrew and Douglas showed William to his room and
helped carry their luggage upstairs. Neil paced on the
porch. ‘What would Christy think of the house?' There were
many rooms. Mrs. Thompson had spent two weeks polishing
the wood with beeswax. She had worked very hard, and he
appreciated her efforts. Alice should be here in an hour or
so with David. Andrew was going to meet them at the train
station. He realized that he was nervous. His hands shook
as he tried to relight his pipe. Mrs. Thompson brought
out a tray with a pitcher of lemonade and glasses filled
with ice.

"Thank you, Mrs. Thompson."

"You are welcome, Doctor."

"I mean for all that you have done to make my Christy feel
welcome. I appreciate all of your hard work." He smiled,
and she nodded at his acknowledgment.

She then withdrew from the porch and escaped into the
kitchen. "I am getting too old for this," she muttered
coming through the door.

"Then do not try to keep impressing us," said Christy,
who had decided to meet the ‘battle axe' head on
first. "You did that when we all tasted your delicious
fried chicken of the Fourth of July." Mrs. Thompson was
stunned speechless. "I am not royalty. I am by no means
perfect, even if Dr. MacNeill thinks that I am. He needs
to wear his glasses more often. Christy smiled. "That
you can keep him in line, on track, and on schedule is
a downright miracle. You are a wonder, Mrs. Thompson and
you have my utmost respect. Please try to relax. Juliet
and I will be glad to help you, even if we only wash the
dishes. I do not expect you to wait on us hand and foot."

"But Ma'am..."

"Please call me Christy. That is who I am. I am simply
Christy Grantland."

"You are going to marry the Doctor."

"That is the plan. I will still be Christy. You see, I
have loved him since I was nineteen years old. Margaret's
return broke my heart. I could never tell Neil how I
felt about him. He respected me too much to tell me how
he felt. But hearts do not lie, Mrs. Thompson. Deep down
I think we both knew that we had these feelings for each
other. He took Margaret to Baltimore and I agreed to marry
the preacher. I thought it was what God wanted. If He had
wanted Neil to marry me, then Margaret would have truly
been drowned in the river. She was alive, instead. I
could not possibly love a married man, could I? I was
only married for a few years. I was left with ten month
old triplets when David died in the influenza epidemic
of 1918. His mother blamed me for his death. I took my
babies home to Asheville. I had lost contact with Miss
Alice. I had no idea Margaret died after giving birth
to Douglas. I admire her for her strength to hold on to
life during her pregnancy. Tuberculosis is such a horrific
disease. You cannot imagine the shock it was to me to meet
Dr. MacNeill, Miss Alice and Douglas in El Pano that day
in June. Our love for each other is true, Mrs. Thompson."

She continued, "Our lives will be different. Come
September, all of our children will return to or begin
college classes. This will be my biggest challenge; letting
my children go and leaving my home to become Neil's wife. I
will finally become Mrs. Neil MacNeill. Will people here in
Knoxville accept me? Will I be welcome in this house? Will
you accept me? It is certainly a bachelor's home. If
I start adding feminine touches, will you object? I am
walking on eggshells, Mrs. Thompson. You are a fixture
here in this household. Today I am a guest. In December I
will be his wife. I hope that you and I will come to some
sort of agreement before then. I want to know that if I
feel like having a cup of tea, I will be allowed to heat
the water in the tea kettle myself and that you will not
get upset if I do."

"You will be the Doctor's wife. You can do whatever you
wish, Ma'am."

"That's just my point, I do not wish to be a "Ma'am". I
want you to feel comfortable, and right now you do not
feel at ease. You are Neil's housekeeper and cook. In
Asheville, when I came home with the children, my mother
hired a woman to help me with them. As they grew up she
became more of a housekeeper and cook. When my parents
became ill, she became their nurse. She assisted my mother
with taking care of my father until he died. When Mother
became ill with cancer, Sally nursed her. She'll be married
at Thanksgiving to a wonderful man who waited for her. I
truly understand loyalty, Mrs. Thompson. I do not want us
to be adversaries. If I thought that we would be, I would
refuse to marry Neil."

"You would do that to him?"

"A man's home should not be a battleground. This is your
home as well. After Christmas, it will be my home too."

Oona Thompson looked into Christy's eyes. She saw truth,
not lies and knew that Christy would be true to her
word. She would not marry the Doctor, to spare him strife
in his household. She nodded to Christy, as Neil bellowed,
"The ice is melting!" The two women looked at each other
and laughed.

They all came out of the woodwork to join Neil on
the porch. ‘How long did it take to get settled,' he
wondered. Watching Christy's face, he could detect the
hint of a smile. What was going on?

"It's time for me to leave, Pa. Granny Alice's train
arrives in twenty minutes," said Andrew.

"Go now. Do not be late. You know what a stickler for time
she is, so do not waste hers." He looked at Christy. "I
hope that your David is surviving in Cataleechie."

"I have heard nothing to the contrary, Neil."

"Good for him. Perhaps he has found his vocation after
all."

Andrew left. William had decided to go with him to meet
his brother. It had only been a few weeks, but he missed
him. The train was just pulling into the station when the
young men arrived. Soon Alice and David disembarked. David
introduced Miss Alice to William.

"Thee has the look of thy Grandfather Huddleston." Looking
at Andrew, she smiled warmly. Andrew gave his grandmother a
hug and kiss. "I have missed thee." He nodded, not wanting
her to see how his eyes had filled with moisture. "Has
thy mother tangled with Mrs. Thompson yet?"

"Mother would not do anything like that," said William.

Alice Henderson smiled her wise smile. "We shall see."

They soon arrived back at the house. There was another
round of greetings and hugs. "Did you have a good
trip?" asked Christy.

"It was uneventful."

"How are things in Cataleechie, David?" asked Christy.

"I am enjoying myself. It is certainly not what I am used
to, Mother. It took me a few weeks to get used to the
differences. It has certainly redefined the word poverty
for me."

"Yes, it certainly does that," said Christy.

"Mrs. Thompson brought in a fresh pitcher of lemonade and
ice filled glasses. Christy introduced her to David.

"This is delicious, as usual," said Alice. "Nothing
refreshes one on a hot summer's day then a glass of cold
lemonade."

"What about iced tea?" asked Andrew.

"Or iced tea with fresh mint leaves?" said Juliet.

"That reminds me of a trick Fairlight taught me. Chew some
mint leaves before drinking some cold water from the well
or a branch. On a hot day it was simply wonderful," said
Christy. Neil smiled at the memory of dear Fairlight.

"How can you drink water from a branch?" asked William.

Neil answered him. "William, in the mountains, a branch is
a clean, clear running stream of pure mountain water. Many
a moonshiner set their stills along mountain branches. They
needed the cold water to help in the distillation process."

"I never knew that."

"You learn something knew every day," said Neil with a
smile. Christy was pleased.

Mrs. Thompson returned with a plate full of homemade
doughnuts, which had been dipped in cinnamon and
sugar. "I love you, Tommy. It must be a special occasion
for her to make doughnuts. You should feel honored, like
royalty." Christy made eye contact with Mrs. Thompson and
both women laughed.

Alice marveled at the sound. The lion and the lamb were
actually getting along. She would have to ask Christy how
she had managed that. Heavens she thought to herself, I
am getting as nosy as Ruby Mae in her heyday.

They seemed to talk on the porch all afternoon. Finally,
Mrs. Thompson announced that dinner was ready. As he
was want to do, Neil asked her if she would join them
for dinner. For the first time since she began working
for the MacNeill's, Oona Thompson agreed to join the
family for dinner. The silence from the MacNeill's was
deafening. Christy smiled. When she smiled, the entire
room was filled with warmth.

"Juliet, let's help putting food on the table." Alice was
shocked, because Mrs. Thompson did not protest.

There was ham, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas,
garden tomatoes, corn on the cob, corn bread and
applesauce. Christy shook her head at the vast amounts
of food. Iced tea was served as a beverage. Conversation
flowed freely. Laughter and joy abounded around the
table. And when dinner was over, leftovers were few and
far between, much to Christy's amazement. Five grown men
had amazing appetites.

"I'll make soup with the ham bone. We have peach pie for
dessert," said Mrs. Thompson.

"I've died and gone to heaven," said Christy.

Mrs. Thompson smiled. Alice looked on in amazement. Christy
devoured the pie. Neil smiled as broadly as the Cheshire
Cat. He knew everything would be just fine. It would all
work out, just as he had predicted. The women insisted on
doing up the dishes. The men gravitated to the porch.

"David, how do you like working in Cataleechie?" asked
Douglas.

"I am enjoying it very much. The children are so
receptive. I help to teach. I read Scripture to them every
day. They seem to love the attention."

"It is hard for parents who are eking out a living, to
give their children the attention that they crave," said
Neil. "To have someone devoted to them is a boon."

"What do you mean by boon, Pa?" asked Andrew.

"A reward or prize, Andy. Something special," said Neil,
"and something very meaningful. It is the little things
that sometimes mean the most, especially during the
hard times."

"You've seen hard times before, Pa."

"Indeed I have, Andy. So has your Mother," he indicated
to Christy's sons. "It's not been a bed of roses for
her, either."

"How do you get through them?"

"You do the best you can and hope for a brighter
tomorrow. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in
a while."

"Pa, where do you come up with these sayings?"

"They've been passed down through the ages, son. I
merely repeat them to a new generation." The boys
all laughed. Neil smiled, and smoked his pipe in
contentment. His new family seemed to get along well with
one another. Christy had managed to face Mrs. Thompson and
had come away unscathed. "Thank you God," he whispered
to himself. That was a hurdle he had worried about
the most. He wondered what Christy did to overcome the
resistance. Heaven knows he would have been extremely
upset to hear her threat.

End of Chapter Twenty

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Twenty-One
...........................................................
The weeks that followed Christy's visit to Knoxville
vanished into thin air. Getting three students off to
college was exciting and exhausting. They were attending
colleges all over the state. She really missed them. The
house was too quiet. Sally was spending more and more
time with John. 

Now she was making new curtains for their
home. Her wedding was less than two months away. Neil
called Christy several times a week and surprised her
with a quick visit once.  She was anticipating his next
visit in two days. He indicated that he had something to
discuss with her, but he would not give her any hint of
what that was. The wait seemed endless, but finally he
was here.  He arrived alone, of course. She met him at
the door. 

"Welcome, Neil. Did you have a good trip?"

"Yes, but I was rather hoping for a kiss hello."

She grabbed him by his tie and pulled him through the
door. She shut it with her foot and proceeded to kiss him
until they were both breathless. When they broke apart
he said, "You can say hello to me like that any time
of the day or night. Where's Sally?" 

"With John. They
will be here later."  He grinned, put his arm around her
waist and kissed her deeply. 

"No kids. Ain't love grand!"

She laughed and pushed at him. "Would you like a drink of
lemonade or iced tea?"  

"No, I think that I'll take another
drink of your sweet kisses, Christy," and he kissed her yet
again. "It's addictive, love," 

"I am so glad that you are here, Neil. We have a lot to discuss about the future."

"I know. That is why I cleared a few days. You have
been champing at the bit to discuss matters."  

"Are you comparing me to a horse?"  

"No, it is just an _expression,
Lass."  

"Well, let's get you settled in your room, and
then I'll meet you in the library."  

"Perfect, Christy."

She showed him to his room, as a mere formality. He had
stayed in it before on his previous visits. He met up with
her about twenty minutes later. 

"Actually this room is one of the ideas I would like to 
discuss with you, Christy. You told me once it was your 
favorite room in the house."

"Next to my bedroom, it is, Neil."  

"I have been speaking to an architect."  

"What about, Neil?"  

"My favorite
room is my study. It is tailored to my taste. I want to
combine both, so that we can share the space. I want to
be with you after we are married. I need to work in my
study. You love to read and do your sewing and needlework
in the library. These are quiet occupations that require
concentration, but at least we will be together. Do you
understand what I am trying to say, Christy?"  

"Yes, I do,
Neil and I appreciate your thoughtfulness."  

"I also need
to know how many bookcases you want, and we have to measure
the furniture you want to take. It's a big house and it
needs a woman's touch." 

She smiled, leaned over and
kissed him. "You never cease to amaze me, Neil MacNeill."

"I have to keep you on your toes. I do not want you to get
bored with me."  

"As if I could ever find you boring."

He unrolled the blueprint. "Here are his plans. We are
going to remove a wall, to turn two rooms into one large
one. Now there is one wall that could take custom made
bookcases, floor to ceiling."  

"How high is the ceiling?"

"Ten feet high." She laughed. 

"What's so funny?"  

"I am five feet, two inches."  

"What do you mean?"  

"How do I reach the top shelf? Do I stand on your shoulders?"

"That's a novel approach, Lass. You would have to be
barefoot. I would not want your high heels digging into
my shoulder blades. I might drop you by accident from
the pain." 

She shoved him, laughing. 

"Actually there will be a ladder."  

"That would make sense to me."

"Will all these books be going with us?"  

"I want to let George choose his favorites."  

"So we need at least twenty four shelves."  

"George may take some."

"Do you intend to stop buying books, Christy?" 

"No."

"Then we need space for growth of your book collection."

"Clever man."  

"I'd like to think so, Lass."  

"Neil we
need to choose a wedding date. I would like to be married
here in Asheville, and I would like to celebrate Christmas
here. I want Miss Alice and Mrs. Thompson to be here. It
will be our first Christmas as a family. Can I ask you a
question, darling? Why did you buy such a large house?"


"It had a nice piece of property. It had woods and a small
brook. It had space, and I felt claustrophobic, after so
many years in Baltimore. I could afford it, Christy. The
previous owner lost the property when the stock market
crashed. After all, Lass, I am a highlander. I've always
watched my pennies. I never believed in speculation. My
ancestors trusted cold, hard cash. I wanted my sons to know
the concept of space, freedom to walk in the woods. They
were a little older, but I think they appreciated what I
was trying to do for them. I needed to be able to practice
medicine my way. I hate bureaucrats. Don't let me get
started on that subject!" He laughed ruefully and shook
his head.  

"Neil, Sally is getting married the Saturday
after Thanksgiving. Will you come for Thanksgiving?"

"Christy, let me discuss it with the boys, Alice and
Mrs. Thompson. I know that you are helping Sally with
her wedding plans. Since we are spending Christmas here,
I do not know if everyone would be willing to also spend
Thanksgiving here. They really do not know Sally and John
very well. I will be happy to come for their wedding to be
with you. Will that work as a solution if the others want
to stay in Knoxville?"  

"I suppose so." Her disappointment
was palpable.  "I'll see what I can do." She nodded. It
was all she could hope for, she wanted them to begin being
a family, even though all of the children were grown.

"Is there any furniture you would like to bring to
Knoxville?"  

"Neil, my bedroom furniture belonged to my
grandparents. I really do love the pieces. Would you like
to see them?"  

"I would love to, Lass."  They went upstairs
together. Christy opened the door to her bedroom. It was
light and airy and bright. The furniture was burnished
cherry, polished to a high sheen. The grain of the wood
was incredible.  

"It is quite lovely, Lass. Did you make
the quilt on the bed?"  

"Yes, Neil. The pattern is called
Delectable Mountains. I used blue fabric that reminded me
of the Smokies." 

 "It is a work of art, Lass. Fairlight
would have been proud of you." 

 "I feel she guided me
through the process, Neil."

  "There's a dresser and an
armoire for you. I did not have the room for them, but
I would not part with them."  Neil saw a dressing table
and chair, a dresser and mirror, a four poster bed, two
end tables and a cedar chest. They would probably have
to expand the bedroom to accomodate the furniture. That
would be his first priority. The study could wait. The
work would have to start now, in order to be ready by
their wedding date.  

"Neil, Christmas is a Tuesday. When
do you want to get married?" 

 "Let's get married on the
twenty second. We'll honeymoon for a few days and come
back for Christmas in Asheville." 

 "George and Melanie have
invited us all for Christmas dinner." 

 "That will be fine,
Christy. We'll have a family breakfast first, then exchange
gifts and go to services. We can join your brother's family
in the afternoon. Then we'll take a few days to close up
the house, move furniture and go home to Knoxville. We'll
all get settled in. Before you know it the five will be off
to school for the new semester and then it will be just you
and me."  

"And Mrs. Thompson."  "You've made your peace."

"Yes darling, I've made my peace." 

 "You are so special
to me Lass, I do not deserve you." He hugged her close
to him, content with just being there with Christy. "Have
you made other quilts?" 

 "Yes, Neil. I can show you a few
of them." She opened the door to Juliet's room. There on
the bed was a colorful quilt. "It's a scrap quilt called
Grandmother's Fan, Neil. The center of each fan is pink,
which was her favorite color at the time. It is made from
many different fabrics, unlike the one on my bed which is
made up of the blue and white material."  She opened the
door tothe boys' room. The quilts had similar fabrics, but
the patterns were different. "Andrew's quilt on the left
is called Flying Geese, and William's is called Turkey
Tracks. The patterns reminded me of the Cove, Neil. The
geese would be migrating overhead in the Fall, and the
other reminded me of the hunt Miss Alice arrannged."

"You mean the one with Billy Long?"  

"Yes, Neil. Do you
remember that?" He nodded. "The quilt on your bed is
the Bear's Claw pattern. I just finished making a quilt
for Sally and John as a wedding present." She walked
back into her bedroom and opened a closet. "It's called
Double Wedding Ring, an appropriate name don't you think?"

"Indeed, very appropriate. You've come a long way since
Cutter Gap." 

 "Thank you, Neil. In the beginning, all
the ladies would do was let me read to them. Fairlight
started to teach me, and then Opal continued after
Fairlight died. I made baby quilts when I was confined to
bed, waiting for the triplets to be born."  They walked
downstairs together. "There are a few miscellaneous pieces
of furniture, Neil. There's a marble top table, and a
carved love seat. They have sentimental value, Neil. I am
sure that the triplets will want to take things with them."

"I can understand that, Christy." They sat down in the
parlor.  

"The weeks are slipping by us, Neil."

"Not soon enough for me, Christy."

"You are an impatient man, Neil."

"Not true. I can stand in a trout stream for hours, trying
to coax a fish out of hiding. I can work for hours on a
patient as I delicately operate on the eye. I am only
impatient when it comes to waiting for you to be my
wife." He kissed her.  They spent hours quietly talking,
making plans. 

Sally and John came in. Christy had all but
forgotten to make dinner. She and Sally worked together
to put a meal on the table, much to the amusement of Neil
and John.  The next day was spent making arrangements. They
went to the church to speak to Reverend Ford. They were
going to be married at eleven o'clock in the morning. They
went to the florist to order boutonieres for the men
and corsages for Juliet, Alice,Sally, Mrs. Thompson and
Melanie, George's wife. Christy wanted to carry a small
nosegay of yellow roses. Their next stop was the Grove Park
Inn to choose a luncheon menu for the wedding party and
the family. No one else was being invited. Both Christy and
Neil wanted to keep the ceremony and reception very simple.

"Neil, why don't we just stay at the Inn for a few days
instead of traveling. We'd be close to home if the weather
turned bad." He agreed, so they made reservations to stay
until Christmas Eve. It was afternoon by the time they
had finished their arrangements.  

"I am exhausted, Neil."

"It certainly was time consuming. Well we've managed to
keep it small and intimate." 

"There may be a crowd in the church."  

"Why?"

"I am sure that Mrs. Ford will announce
our wedding date at the Lady's Circle meeting. Some
of my former students may come to see their teacher
get married. Some will come with best wishes for our
future and others will come to satisfy their curiosity."

"People never cease to amaze me." 

"I agree, Neil. Shall we head back home? Sally and John are making dinner. John
loves to cook."  

"I admire a man who knows how to cook."

"Sally and I made sure that all three children knew
how to cook. Many a pie had a gray, tough crust, but
we praised their efforts and ate the results."  

"That's
where Mrs. T and I failed our boys. She wouldn't let them
lift a spoon, unless it was to put it in their mouths to
eat something."  

"Then they had better marry women who
know how to cook." Neil laughed in agreement.  The two
couples spent a quiet evening talking politics,books and
favorite films. Neil had to leave the following day, much
to Christy's dismay.  He left around nine in the morning,
promising to call her when he reached Knoxville. She was
relieved when the call came in the early afternoon. She
wanted him to be safe at all times. 

"I worry about you, Neil."  

"I worry about you in the same way, Christy."

"I love you, Neil."

"Ditto, sweet Christy, ditto."

End of Chapter Twenty One

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Twenty-Two

...........................................................

As he had promised Christy, Neil spoke with Alice, and
the boys about Thanksgiving. Mrs. Thompson was not very
happy. She wanted to cook in her own kitchen. At first
the boys wanted to stay in Knoxville, until Neil informed
them that he would be in Asheville with Christy, because
he planned to attend John and Sally's wedding with her.

Mrs. Thompson grudgingly agreed to travel to Asheville for
Thanksgiving to help cook for the crowd. Neil was pleased
that they all agreed to go. Christy would be happy. She
was already beginning to regard them all as family. She was
excited when Neil called her with the news. "I'll have to
talk with Mrs. Thompson about coordinating the menu. Thank
you, darling. I would have hated for us to be split up at
Thanksgiving. It was Mother's favorite holiday."

"I remember that well, Christy."

The next few weeks were a blur for Christy. Sally had
bought a winter white wool suit for her wedding. Christy
had a dress made of dark blue velvet. She had a blue hat
with a matching velvet ribbon hat band. The navy blue
heels and purse would be worn for her own wedding to Neil.

Preparations for Thanksgiving dinner were well
underway. The MacNeill contingent was arriving Wednesday
afternoon. Miss Alice had come in on Tuesday. It was going
to be a holiday of organized chaos. Sally and John had
invited everyone to their wedding and reception, which
was going to be held in the church hall right after their
wedding on Saturday.

There were times when Christy did not know if she was
coming or going. Whenever he could, Neil would just stop
her, and give her a hug and a kiss. She could make a
whirling dervish appear in slow motion. Neil knew that
she would probably collapse from exhaustion on Saturday
evening, which is exactly what happened.

Mrs. Thompson and the boys left on Friday. Andrew and
Douglas had research papers due on Monday. Alice decided
to stay for the wedding and left on the late afternoon
train. Christy, Neil and the triplets were all sprawled
in the parlor, rehashing the wedding and reception. John
and Sally were on their way to Niagara Falls. "I think
that they are crazy for heading so far north this time of
year," said Christy.

"I think it is romantic, Mama," said Juliet.

"You would," said David.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked her brother.

"You've always been in dreamland."

"That's not true."

"Enough," said Christy, before their bantering got out of
hand. "Is anyone hungry?"

"No."

"I'm still full from Thanksgiving."

"I'll have to let a notch out on my belt," said Neil.

"I'll pop my seams, Mama."

"I could eat, " said William. "What's left?"

"Turkey for sandwiches, chestnut stuffing and cranberry
sauce," said Christy.

"Sounds good to me," he said. "Anyone care to join me?"

Before she could blink an eye, the menfolk, including
Neil, were headed for the kitchen. She shook her head
at Juliet. "Where are they going to put it? We have had
nonstop eating for three days." They joined the men in
the kitchen.

"Would you like a sandwich, Lass?"

"No, I'm not really hungry. I'll just pick." She looked
at Juliet and giggled.

After snacking yet again, the triplets disappeared into
their rooms, leaving Christy and Neil snuggled on the
couch in front of the fireplace.

"It was a beautiful wedding, wasn't it, Neil?"

"Indeed it was, Christy. Ours is only twenty-eight days
from today."

"That soon?"

"Not soon enough."

She smiled up at him and kissed him on the
cheek." She put her head on his shoulder and sighed
with contentment. Together they watched the fire burn
low. Christy was beginning to fall asleep. Neil was
enjoying her closeness and the stillness of the evening. He
kissed her awake.

"Bedtime, I'm afraid." She nodded. They walked up the
stairs together. She was so tempted to take his hand,
she loved him and wanted him so much. He took her
hand and kissed her palm. He had the same feelings of
want and need. Neil kissed her palm again, and said,
"Goodnight." Walking away was one of the hardest things
he had ever done. He loved her so!

Saying goodbye to Neil on Sunday was very difficult for
Christy. When he left, he did not expect to come back to
Asheville until just before the wedding. The triplets left
as well, getting back to school for the last big push to
the end of the term. It was hard to believe that their
first semester of college was over. The house was big
and empty. Christy was alone, truly alone, and she hated
the feeling. Walking through each room, she was assailed
by memories of good times and sad times, laughter and
tears. It had been a happy home, filled with love and
promise.

She began shopping for Christmas presents. They had all
agreed to keep things simple, since Christy no longer had
a steady income. Almost everyone was living on limited
funds. She loved to wrap and decorate packages. She also
began her regimen of cleaning for the holidays. Sally and
John made it home safely from their honeymoon. The two
women called each other practically every day and managed
to see one another several times a week, but Christy still
missed her companionship. In October, Sally and Christy
had made twenty pounds of fruitcake for Christmas. The
secret was wrapping the cakes in cheesecloth and soaking
it in brandy. This was Grandmother Rudd's recipe. Christy
hoped Neil would like it.

She had her new suit for her wedding. Shoes and pocketbook,
coat and hat, and gloves completed the outfit. Neil came
by on a whirlwind trip, he could not stay overnight. He
wanted them to pick out wedding rings together. She was
very pleased that he wanted to wear a wedding band.

The boys had their suits, Juliet had chosen a bottle
green velvet dress with a white lace collar and
matching cuffs. Everything was in place. Then the trio
came home from school and noise filled the house again
much to Christy's delight. Juliet helped her mother bake
cookies. The boys were n charge of putting up the Christmas
tree. They decorated it the night before Christy's wedding
to help keep everyone's mind occupied.

The trio had all begun the onerous job of packing their
clothes and other personal belongings they wished to take
with them. There was a feeling of sadness, since they were
all leaving the security of the only home they had ever
known. They did not count Boston at all.

Christy didn't think she would be able to sleep the night
before her wedding. She had been pushing herself all week
long. She fell asleep exhausted, and woke up to the light
of an early, picture perfect morning.

She took a long, relaxing bath, scented with rose oil. She
took her time with her toilette. She came down into the
kitchen. Sally had come to prepare breakfast for her
dearest friend. Alice and Mrs. Thompson were waiting with
her. Christy hugged them all. "Juliet is up, but where
are the boys?" she asked.

"They came over to our house very early this
morning. William had to come back because he forgot his
good shoes," said Sally.

"I never heard him," said Christy.

Juliet joined them. "Good morning, everyone." She hugged
and kissed them all.

Mrs. Thompson said," That particular color green suits
you perfectly."

"Thank you, Mrs. T. Mother, are you nervous?"

"No, actually I am very calm."

"I wish we could say the same thing about himself," said
Mrs. Thompson, smiling.

"Is Neil nervous?"

"He doesn't think so," said Alice, "but he is a bundle
of nerves. Pacing back and forth like a caged lion. He
will wear thy carpet out," she said to Sally. They all
laughed. "If you ask him, he will deny it, of course."

"Of course," said Christy.

"His hands were shaking so badly, Andrew had to help him
shave," said Mrs. T.

"Oh dear. My cool, calm, solid rock of security is a wee
bit shaky on his feet?" Christy giggled.

"The boys will be merciless," said Alice. "Perhaps he
calmed down when William and David arrived."

Christy looked at the kitchen clock. "It's time for me
to get dressed." She walked calmly out of the kitchen,
willing the butterflies in her stomach to be still.

Melanie arrived the same time as the florist. "I'm sorry
that I am late," she said. "The boys took forever to get
ready. I left them with George. Disaster looking for a
place to happen." Juliet laughed. Her cousins could be a
handful even when they were on their best behavior.

Christy came down the stairs. "Mama, you look lovely. So
beautiful." She kissed her mother.

"Thank you, honey." Christy's suit was pink with navy blue
trim. It's cut was simple, yet elegant. She wore sapphire
earrings. Her coat and hat were navy blue. Christy had
purchased navy blue trim that was very similar to the trim
of her suit. Sally had taken a coat that had belonged to
her her Grandmother Rudd and restyled it. She trimmed the
coat with a beaver collar and matching cuffs, which had
come from a coat belonging to Julia. A fur band could
also be added to Christy's hat, to change the look of
it. Christy's small suitcase was packed, along with her
train case. She was ready to go meet Neil.

Sally and Juliet drove the cars to church. The six ladies
were laughing and talking when they entered the vestibule
of the church. Mrs. Ford was there to greet them. "What
a difference," she said.

"What do you mean?" asked Christy.

"Your ebullient mood is a joy to behold. There are seven
men and three boys who are so somber you would think they
were attending a funeral."

"Oh dear."

"Do not worry, Christy. As soon as you walk through
the doors, I am sure Neil's features will be wreathed
with smiles." The ladies took off their coats and put on
their corsages. Christy's nosegay was full of yellow and
pink roses.

When Melanie began to walk down the aisle to sit with
George and the boys, William and David walked down
the aisle to escort her. Neil, Andrew and Douglas stood
up. Alice and Mrs. Thompson were escorted to their seats by
the young men. They returned to the back of the church, and
William escorted Sally to where John was seated. There were
friends and neighbors and even some of Christy's former
students and their parents, sitting in pews to see her get
married. When the boys came back into the vestibule, they
thought that their mother had never looked more beautiful.

The music began to play. Juliet began to walk down
the aisle. Douglas thought that she looked absolutely
spectacular. Then David and William escorted their mother
down the aisle. It surprised some people, but it thrilled
Christy.

Neil was all smiles, as were Andrew and Douglas. As the
boys gave their mother to Neil, when asked by the Reverend
Ford, Alice Henderson prayed. It had taken a very long time
for this to come to pass, but Neil and Christy were finally
together. She felt tears fall down her cheeks as she prayed
for the couple. Sally was crying. Even Mrs. Thompson
had to wipe away some tears. Tears of joy for the happy
couple. When he finally kissed his bride, the music of
Handel's Hallelujah Chorus filled his mind. ‘Finally' he
thought. ‘Thank you, Lord.' Bride and groom were beaming
as they walked down the aisle together.


End of Chapter Twenty Two

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Twenty-Three
.........................................................................
In the quiet of the evening after dinner, Neil went out
on the balcony to give Christy the chance to get ready
for bed. He'd dreamed of this for so long. He now had the
chance to show her how much he loved her. He lit his pipe
to help calm his nerves.  

Christy stared at the pale blue
satin peignoir. Her mother had bought it for her, to add to
her trousseau, when she was marrying David. When she first
opened the dress box, her thoughts flew to Neil. He would
think she was beautiful wearing it. The satin, lace and
satin ribbons were so very feminine. The guilt that filled
her because of those forbidden thoughts forced her to pack
the delicate confection away at the very bottom of her
hope chest. David never knew the existence of the nightgown
and robe.  She had brought them out from her dresser. They
had been wrapped in rose scented satin. She had tried the
nightgown on, and fortunately it flared at the hips, and
still fit her. She had laundered the set and carefullly
pressed it, so that it was like new. She removed the
hairpins from her chignon and brushed her hair. She tied
it back with a blue satin ribbon.  When she entered the
bedroom, she saw that Neil was out on the balcony. 

"Don't
catch cold, Neil," she called. He turned at the sound
of her voice and was struck speechless at the vision in
pale blue satin before him.  He stepped inside, and put
his pipe on the table. 

"Christy, you are beautiful." 

She
smiled. He walked to her and crushed her to him. She
shivered. He was cold. 

"Forgive me, love. I'll warm you
up in a minute."  He rushed into the bath to change into
his robe. He shaved quickly, his hands did not shake any
more. He returned to his wife and began to kiss her in
the slow, sensual dance of love that has been handed down
through time. They both gloried in the chance to finally
express their love for one another totally and completely.

On their first Sunday in Knoxville after they were married
and moved, Neil said, "Reverend Abernathy, Mrs. Abernathy,
I would like you to meet my wife Christy. Christy this is
Reverend John Abernathy and his wife Dorothy."  

"How do
you do Reverend, Mrs. Abernathy. It is a pleasure to meet
you both."  

"The pleasure is ours, Mrs. MacNeill. Everyone
was quite surprised to hear that Dr. MacNeill was going
to remarry." He hesitated briefly. "Would you mind if
Mrs. Abernathy and I called on you both for a visit?"

"Not at all, sir. It would be quite nice to visit with
you."  

"I will call you to set a date and time," said
Mrs. Abernathy.  

"That would be lovely," said Christy.

Neil noticed that Christy's back was rigid, her posture
was perfect. He thought she looked quite lovely. She had
on her navy blue wool coat, with the beaver fur collar and
cuffs. Her hat was navy blue as well, and she had added
the matching fur trim to the hat. She was wearing her pink
and navy suit that she had worn for their wedding. She was
wearing her high heels and her matching purse. She still
managed to take his breath away.  

They walked back to their
car. Neil opened the door and helped her into it. She
knew that they were being watched. Men were thinking
Dr. MacNeill was one lucky man. They observed her beautiful
legs, and her high heeled shoes. The women noticed the
look of adoration in his eyes. The way he gently held her,
and helped her into the car. Her clothes were beautiful,
quite stylish. Her hair was perfectly coiffed. And she was
younger than he, by at least twenty years guessed some. Who
was she, and where did she come from?  

When they got into
the car, Neil looked at her and said, "What happened back
there?"  Christy laughed. Neil was so oblivious. "Neil
darling, we are being set up for the grand inquistion."

"What do you mean?"  

"I am an unknown, who has married
Dr. Neil MacNeill, the wonderful doctor and poor widower
who raised two sons on his own. Who am I? Where do I come
from? Am I a gold digger? I am obviously younger that you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"  

"I don't look my age."

"And I do?"  

"Sometimes, darling."  

"When is that?"  

"When
you don't get enough sleep, darling."  

"Oh." He raised
his eyebrow and smiled at the memories.  She giggled. "You
are priceless." She kissed him on the cheek. "They'll want
to know how and when we met, the entire romantic story."

"What will you tell them?"  

"Basic information. They do not
need to know every single detail of our lives. I resent the
fact that they sit in judgement of me. I can be cagey."

"Don't I know it."  

"What is that supposed to mean."

"Guess."  

"Did you see the way Mrs. Abernathy kicked
her husband?"  

"No!"  

"Yes."  

"When?" 

"Just before he
asked if they could pay us a visit." 

"I did not see that."

"For an observant man, you miss quite a lot of detail when
it comes to women." 

"I don't miss much about you, do I?"

"No, my darling Neil, you don't miss much and that is all
that matters to me, my dearest." He grinned wickedly. "Look
at you. We just came from church."  

"What are you
implying, Lass?"  

"What do you mean, Neil?"  

"You know
perfectly well what I mean."  

"It was the devilish grin
on your grin on your face."  

He sighed. "I've twenty
years of lustful and passionate dreams of you to make
a reality."  

"Pace yourself, my darling. You are not as
young as you used to be, you know." 

"You wound me, Lass."

"You exhaust me, Neil."  

"Do I?"  

"Yes, dearest you do."

He smiled wickedly. "Then I must be doing something
right."  

"I would not change a thing, darling. I am not
complaining." A beautiful blush filled her cheeks. "I love
you, Neil MacNeill."  

"I love you too, Lass."  

"When is
our brood arriving?"  

"They should be coming this afternoon
with the last two truckloads of furniture and belongings,"
he said.  "I miss them. I miss the noise."  He laughed
and she joined in. "I miss the Monopoly marathons. That
was the best Christmas present Andrew could have gotten
for all of us. To think that the game was only available
in Philadelphia."  

"Oh I think it will catch on. Look
how cutthroat it has made all of us, when someone puts
up a hotel."  

"Invest in good property, and you get
good returns. We'll have to challenge them to another
game." They both smiled remembering the happy Christmas
memories, when they all tried to figure out the rules on
how to play the game. It had been a delight, and helped
bond all of them as a family.  

The Abernathy's called on
them the following Thursday. Neil had cleared the afternoon
appointments in order to be with Christy. They had come
for afternoon tea. Mrs. Thompson outdid herself. Neil
personally hated formal tea. He could barely hold the
delicate cup in his large, brawny hands. When he ate a
sandwich, he felt it should be a substantial sandwich,
not s triangle of buttered bread with cucumbers. Christy
owed him a boon for this.  

"What a lovely tea service
you have," said Mrs. Abernathy.  

"Thank you, it belonged
to my great grandmother," said Christy.  Both men were
uncomfortable with high tea. John Abernathy looked at Neil,
who recognized his "trapped" countenance. "Come John, let
me show you our rennovations. Ladies, please excuse us."
Christy settled back for the barrage of questions.

"Where do you come from, Mrs. MacNeill, if you don't
mind my asking?"  

"Please call me Christy."  

"Thank you,
I would appreciate it if you would call me Dorothy."

"Thank you."  

"Are you from around here, Christy?"

"Asheville, North Carolina."  

"How did you meet Neil?"

"I have known Neil for twenty years." 

"Really?"

"Yes."  

"How interesting."  

"I think so." The silence
was deafening.  

"He's never mentioned you before."

"Why should he?"  

Silence.  "Is that a family portrait?"

"Yes, it was taken at Christmas. It is our first family
portrait."  

"Are those your children beside Andrew and
Douglas?"  

"Yes, they are my triplets. Juliet, William and
David. Their father was the minister in Cutter Gap. I was
the schoolteacher at the Mission and Neil was the doctor."

"I've never heard of Cutter Gap."  

"Few people have."

"Where is it?"  

"It is a corner of paradise, nestled in
the Great Smoky Mountains. Neil was born there."  

"Why did he leave?"  

"You'll have to ask him. I married Reverend
Grantland and moved to Boston. I returned to Asheville
when my husband died." 

"When was that?"  

"In the 1918
flu epidemic." 

"Such a tragedy." 

"Yes, it was. Would
you care for more tea?"  

"Yes, thank you."  

‘Round one
is over,' thought Christy.  

"Are you enjoying Knoxville?"

"So far, but I have been busy setting up our home. Neil has
given me carte blanche."  

"You like shopping, then?" She
secretly disapproved of carefree spending in such sad,
economic times.  

"Shopping? No, you misunderstood me. I
have been bringing furniture, dishes, rugs, from my home
in Asheville. Some of the furniture was left to me by
my grandmother. While I admit I bought a new suit for my
wedding, my dearest friend Sally and I transformed a wool
hat and coat that belonged to my grandmother, with fur
that had been on one of my mother's coats. Something old,
something new, something borrowed, something blue." Christy
smiled.  

Dorothy Abernathy was uncomfortable. She thought
Christy seemed nice enough, almost too nice. Neil and John
came into the room. Neil caught Christy as she smiled, and
his face was beaming. It was quite obvious that he loved
this woman. It was like he wore a placard that said I LOVE
THIS WOMAN!!!!!  

"We should be going, dear," said John.

"Of course. It was lovely talking with you, Christy."

"Likewise, I'm sure," said Christy Mrs. Thompson got their
coats. They bid each other goodbye. Mrs. Thompson closed
the door. 

"How did it go?" she asked.  Christy glared at
Neil. "How could you leave me with that harpy?"  

"What?"

"You heard me. That woman is a harpy!"  Neil looked at
Mrs. T. She nodded her head in agreement. She of course
was as bad as Ruby Mae Beck for listening at doorways.

"John looked uncomfortable, so I thought I would give
him a way out."  

"I looked uncomfortable, but you
left me there to face the Grand Inquisitor all alone."

"You looked drop dead gorgeous to me, not uncomfortable at
all to me."  

"Are you sweet talking me, Neil MacNeill?"

"Is it working?"  

"No, not in the least."  

"Damn, I am
losing my touch."  

"This is my cue for my exit," said
Mrs. Thompson, laughing. It would take a small miracle for
him to get out of this one!  

End of Chapter Twenty-Three

Title: "Serendipity" Chapter Twenty-Four

.............................................................

Christy MacNeill had a temper. She did not lose it often,
but when she did,one had better stand aside until her fury
passed. Mrs. Thompson saw the storm clouds in her eyes as
she flew into the house.

"What happened?

"I was told that I was not in the congregation long enough
to be recommended into the Guild."

"What did you do?"

"I looked at Mrs. Abernathy straight in the eye and
I told her this church had a strange way of welcoming
new members to the congregation. I asked her to forgive
me if I shook the dust from my sandals. I walked out of
the room as proudly as I could, Oona. I do not meet with
their approval. Well that's just too damn bad. Forgive me
my language."

"Let me make you a nice cup of tea."

"Thank you, I need one. I feel so useless. There are
no teaching positions. Mr. Abernathy assured me that
the Sunday school classes had all of the teachers and
aides that they need. What have I done to deserve this
treatment?"

"I wish that I could describe the changes in the Doctor. He
is a pillar in the community. A well loved doctor who
attended services with his sons every Sunday, unless
there was an emergency at the hospital. He's a different
man. He is in love with you and it has changed him. He
is more light hearted, not as serious. He is happy, truly
happy. People resent change, and in difficult times, resent
other people's good fortune. The country is a mess, why
should he be so happy?"

"You mean I would be burned as a witch if this were the
1600's?"

"Exactly. What kind of a spell have you cast over him?"

"It's love."

"Of course it is."

"At Mass this past Sunday, our pastor mentioned that the
orphanage needs volunteers. It's run by the Methodists. You
are a teacher, and a kind and loving woman. Perhaps you
should call to see if you could volunteer. I think it
would be perfect for you."

"Really? Do you think so?"

"Yes, I do."

Christy got up and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you. I
needed that vote of confidence. I have never been so
insulted by a group of women before in my life."

"Keep the pressure on them. Perhaps they will see how
wrong they are."

"I doubt it, but I will keep trying for Neil's sake."

"I will get the telephone number of the orphanage for you."

"Thank you. I called you Oona before. I meant no
disrespect. I appreciated your confidence in me."

"I took no offense. I will try and call you Christy."

"Thank you Oona. That would mean a lot to me." She hugged
her. "I will talk to Neil about volunteering tonight."

The renovations to Neil's study and the morning
room/library were almost completed. It had taken the
workmen longer than they expected, since they had
to enlarge the master bedroom first. The wall Neil
wanted removed was a bearing wall in the structure of
the house. It had to be replaced with a steel beam. Neil
was frustrated. He did not like working in the temporary
study. It was a small room with only one window. Neil
needed space.

Christy approached him after dinner to discuss volunteering
in the orphanage. "I need to do something. I have to
keep busy."

"I thought setting up our home would be satisfying, Lass."

"Neil, what needs to be set up? It all works
perfectly. We've moved the furniture from my bedroom in
Asheville to ours, because it belonged to my grandparents
and I could not bear to part with the set."

"It's quite lovely, Christy, and it is a one hundred
percent improvement over what was in my bedroom. Of course,
the bed was strictly functional then, for sleeping only."

"I am not taking the bait."

"You already did. I see where your mind was headed."

"You are trying to change the subject."

"Am I succeeding?"

"No."

"I'll have to try a little harder."

"Neil, I want to volunteer in an orphanage."

"Where?"

"St. John's Orphanage on Cecil Street."

"That's near the railroad, and is only a few blocks from
the river. It is not the nicest area of Knoxville."

"Neil, there is a need there. I believe that I can do
some good and help the children. Apparently I am not
good enough for the Ladies Guild at the church. They do
not need any Sunday school teachers or aides. There are
no teaching positions available in the public schools at
this time. The orphanage needs my help, Neil. I feel that
I can contribute something and make a difference."

"Have you made the telephone call yet?"

"No, I wanted to discuss it with you first."

"My sweet, impulsive wife. You have not changed in twenty
years." He pulled her down on to his lap and cradled her in
his arms. "I could never say no to you. Your heart is so
full of love for children, any children in need. I would
not deny you this. Make the call tomorrow, Lass."

She touched his hair as it flopped over his forehead. She
nestled herself deeper into his arms. Then she put her
hands around his neck and kissed him. He deepened the
kiss. In one swift motion he stood up and walked out of
the room carrying her in his arms.

"This is getting to be a habit, Doctor MacNeill."

"It is one I enjoy immensely, Mrs. MacNeill."

He carried her up the stairs. As they reached the top,
the telephone rang. Neil set Christy down. Mrs. Thompson
answered it. "Doctor," she called, "it's Andrew."

"Go," said Christy. "Give him my love." She giggled at his
scowl. He hated interruptions when he had amorous designs
oh his wife.

She made the telephone call to the orphanage the following
morning. She explained who she was, what her teaching
qualifications were and that she wanted to volunteer. The
director, a Mr. Hopkins, served on the Hospital Board and
knew Neil quite well. He made an appointment to meet with
Christy the following day. She was very excited about the
outcome of her telephone call. She needed to work. She
was a bundle of restless energy, and she could not wait
to tell Neil.

There was an emergency at the hospital that kept Neil
until the wee hours of the morning. He was dead on his feet
when he crawled into bed, falling asleep immediately. She
snuggled against him, but on he slept. When she woke up
in the morning, he did not stir. She knew he was exhausted.

She had a hard time deciding what to wear. She tried
to look as professional as she could for a formal
interview. Her suit was a blue and gray check. She had
gray shoes and purse, with gloves and a blue hat with a
gray ribbon.

She telephoned for a taxi, and had breakfast with
Oona. "Let Neil sleep in. He'll be as grumpy as a bear,
but I did not want to wake him."

"He came in after three o'clock this morning."

"I worry that he is pushing himself too much."

"We'll keep an eye on him, don't you worry."

They both heard the sound of a automobile horn. "Time for
me to go."

"Good luck, Christy."

"Thank you, Oona."

She arrived a few minutes early and sat in a small waiting
area. It was so unappealing and uninviting, and it affected
her spirits. It was a cold dose of reality and it hit her
like a cold bucket of well water.

Mr. Hopkins came out to greet her. "Good morning,
Mrs. MacNeill."

"Good morning, Mr. Hopkins. I am pleased to meet you. Thank
you for taking the time to see me."

"Mrs. MacNeill, we have over one hundred orphans in
this facility. We have a limited amount of funds. We
have a dedicated staff, but there is only so much we can
do. There is a small group of children, less than a dozen,
who need help learning their basic concepts, letters and
numbers. Miss Raymond, who is in charge to this age group
could use volunteer help. Would you be interested?"

"Oh yes," said Christy.

"I will take you to meet her now. When will you be able
to start?"

"Next week. I could come once or twice a week, if that
would be convenient for you."

They came to a classroom. Mr. Hopkins knocked on the
door. The teacher opened it. "Miss Raymond, this in
Mrs. MacNeill. She can volunteer one or two days a week
with your ‘difficult' group."

"That is very kind of you, Mrs. MacNeill. When can you
come?"

"When do you need me?"

"Wednesday afternoons at 1:00."

"I'll make sure that I am here. It was very nice meeting
you, Miss Raymond."

"Likewise, Mrs. MacNeill."

Christy called for a taxi to take her home. When she
arrived at home, Neil was pacing in the parlor. Oona took
her coat and rolled her eyes skyward.  "You snuck out like
a thief in the night," he accused her.

"Hello darling, I am so happy to see you. Was it a
difficult emergency? You got home so late. You needed
your rest." She would have gotten away with it, but she
batted her eyelashes at him. As soon as she did it, her
brain registered the word "mistake."

"Christy," he began to say......

"I am sorry Neil," she said contritely, " but you really
were exhausted."

He recognized her genuine concern. But there was that
impishness about her, and he could not quite put his finger
on its origin. "Well, what happened, Lass? Fill us in."

"Us?"

"Come in, Mrs. Thompson." He looked at Christy. "Curiosity
killed the cat."  Mrs. Thompson came in through the door
with a tray of tea and cakes.  "Nice save," he said.

"Doctor?" she asked innocently.

Neil could barely contain his amusement. His well ordered
life was now over. He had not considered this factor at
all in the equation. Love was truly blind. "Thank you
for bringing tea. Christy will you pour? Please join us,
Mrs. T. I am sure that you will want to know the outcome
of Christy's interview."

"Where do I begin?"

"At the beginning," he said with a smile.

"Well first impressions count. It is the most dismal
atmosphere I have ever felt. There is nothing bright or
cheerful about it at all."

"It is an orphanage."

"But it is their home, Neil. There is no....." she stopped
short.

"No what, Lass?"

"Hope. There is no hope." The realization struck her
like a ton of bricks. "I met with Mr. Hopkins, who knows
you, Neil. The teacher I will be working with is a Miss
Raymond. She seems nice enough. I am going to be working
with four and five year old children, who need help with
their basic skills."

"That should be right up your alley, Christy." said Neil.

"I start next week, Wednesday afternoons at one o'clock."

"Good," said Neil. I am off then. I can take you."

"Neil, I can drive myself."

"Of course you can. This would give me the opportunity
to give the children checkups. Real checkups and not
quackery. Doctors who take the money but who could care
less about the children."

Christy beamed at Neil. Once again, his generous heart
showed his true colors. They finished their tea. Oona
removed the tea service. Neil had an odd look on his
face. "What is the matter, darling?" she asked.

"The other day, you said that you were not good enough for
the Ladies Guild. That is not true, you know. You are too
good for their kind."

"Neil."

"No, really. There is nothing worse than hypocrites. I
detest people who are two faced. The reason why they do
not want you is that you are competition."

"Competition?"

"Yes. For the attention of their husbands."

"Neil, that is ridiculous. I would never try and take away
their husbands."

"I know that. You have me, why would you look elsewhere?"

"Exactly, " she said, trying to stifle her laughter.

"Christy, when you were twenty, I thought that you were
the most beautiful young woman I had ever laid my eyes
on. At forty you are spectacular. Your beauty still takes
my breath away. You've matured with grace and an innate
dignity. Your beauty radiates outward like luminescent
light. They are jealous. You say that I am not observant
of other women. I do observe their husbands reaction to
you, and I see the reaction of their wives. You have a
touch of class, Christy. Even when you had to help in
doing unpleasant chores in the Cove, you always did them
with style. You dress fashionably, you keep up with the
latest trends."

"Neil, I cannot tell you how many times Sally and I
reworked a garment to make it look new. Some of my clothes
are over ten years old."  "I know that you have been
careful with your finances, Christy. You have done very
well. I am just telling you that they are jealous. Take
it as a compliment. I know that I do." He winked at her,
swept her into his arms and said, "I believe that we were
interrupted by an emergency last night."

She put her arms around him and nodded. He looked deeply
into her eyes and saw her love shining back at him. "I love
you, Lass, forever and always." He kissed her deeply, with
the promise of tomorrow illuminating his face.


The End.